Pirates is the most interesting, most fun, deepest, most variable (can be set up to be brutal or easy), most stuff packed in a wide body that feels like a standard body game ever. I was skeptical about Pirates but the consensus from novice to expert at my house is that this is an all-time great game right up there with MM, TZ, AFM, LotR, etc.
Now I haven't played Houdini so take my opinion with a grain of salt. But...I have a great collection and JJPOTC took over as my #2 (after WOZ) within two days of being in my house. For most of my friends and family, MM is the best game in my collection. For literally ALL of them, JJPOTC is their #2 after only a few games on it. JJPOTC is an all time top 5 game without a doubt and will remain so for some time.