I think so, if nothing for the consistency of the clash.
I know City-United gets all the hype nowadays due to the pair being "powerhouses", but historically Liverpool and Everton haven't featured in the second tier for 70 years, in which they've consistently battled for leagues and trophies. In terms of Geography, Liverpool is far smaller than Manchester-Salford and the Greater London area, so it only intensifies the rivalries, as people only support the pair.
A lot more "issues", have arose that cause conflict, more from an Everton point of view, Bryan Hamilton, Heysel, Hutchison Collina etc... To make one side extremely angry when thinking of the others.
In terms of Liverpool, the fact that they are slowly losing their grip on being a title contending side, and the fact that the Manchester Derby has become more prominent, has seen their rivalry with United become less significant, ours again has intensified.
For me, the Merseyside Derby is like no other (old firm aside), and the others may well be enjoyable and bitter, but the so called "friendly" Derby, is no more in my opinion!