It’s funny but Ive sort of grown to feel the same about bindweed (I dont have mares-tail)! Since starting my new allotment with no-dig, I spend some time whenever there, using a trowel to take out the bindweed. I almost like seeing it because I think ‘haha, I’m going to get the better of you!’.
I have however found it much more difficult when it comes up in beds with perennial plants. I held off planting perennials in those beds in the hope I could knock the bindweed on the head, but eventually i had to plant. It’s much harder to get out when its within the roots of wanted plants but I guess I will just have to pull it out as soon as I see it.
I dont want marestail though, however much you like it!