If I thought it would improve the taste and actually be compatible with oatmeal, I'd toss in chunks of steak or potato chips.

Ha ha ha, that's funny! Have you tried it yet? There's really no way to know until you do. I'm expecting your "Grandpa Cooks" post to be about Steak Oatmeal. :D

Once you stop eating as much sugar, and even just in specific dishes, your brain gets used to it. When it no longer expects a sugar rush, the taste improves because it's still getting what it expects. Although fruit and such do help a lot. You don't have to eat it without the sugar, I'm just trying to let you know there's hope to do so if you so desire.