Interesting Joeday. I myself do not prefer the gambits because if you are playing a strong opponent, they will take you to the end game, and the pawns make all the difference.
Again, in reference to pawn structure, on the board at 8.Ne3, look how he can gain more control your pawn advancement with putting pawns on g4 and c4. If his pawns are on those posts, you could not advance your pawns without him being able to attack you first. (Purely looking at the pawn stucture)
But I agree with 5.....Nc6 being an awesome postion. Go a head pawn, take the knight!
I've been experimenting with the Tarrasch Defense to the queen's gambit, what do you guys think about it? You have to be willing to lose material to gain some position, but it does lead to some fast games.