Dr. Hank Hanegraaff (the Bible Answer Man) has a new end times book out “The Apocalypse Code†which takes a very preterest view. I didn’t find it very convincing. One can make a decent preterest argument with regard to Chapter 24 of Matthew (because of the “and this generation shall not pass...†language) but I’ve never heard a convincing preterest interpretation of Revelation. The argument that 666 = Nero Caesar is ludicrous.
Sounds like you have only heard anti- position.
I would suggest you read Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation by Ken Gentry. It's available online. Check out the chapter on "six hundred and sixty six" and how it fits with Nero.
Then come back and we can talk about what is so "ludicrous" with the position.
I agree with you. A type of antichrist, Nero may have been, but not the AntiChrist described in our Lord’s Revelation to John.
Funny thing about spiritual revelation is that it is indeed very real.
One might study Prophecy from a rationalistic perspective, but without guidance from the Holy Spirit, it isn’t really perceived and graced upon us as He has provided. It’s all from Him and no other.
So it doesn’t really matter how many others accuse or adversarially attack other viewpoints. God Himself reveals His Will through Prophecy and it is also supernaturally understood by the believer through faith in Christ at the grace of God the Holy Spirit.