Well, for me it was different. Before I played the game I had been spoiled that she would die. But not when, only that it would happen, so I expected -as the usual case would be- it to happen in the end.

So when I reached the first CD's ending, I was pretty shocked and emotionally saddened. I really liked her as a person, I got mad at Cloud for only standing there and watching and so on.

So I pretty much agree with you, I get touched when there's an emotional scene.
However, there are members who hate Aerith. I don't, but I hate Yuffie, for example. If she had died, I would have laughed. Definitely.