The lack of the ability to edit is really getting to me. I didn't even finish my thought, this is awkward. I meant to say that what I refer to at the end is someone who is completely different than me. Simply applying "gamer" to both of us, while true, is a really general statement. There always needs to be more specific terms to divide people.
We're all human, that doesn't mean that's the only way to describe everyone.
I'll just say this one more time and then I'm done. You're only looking to differentiate because you want some sort of "status". You're not happy being lumped in with the gaming "lowlifes".
The same goes for your hockey fan analogy. Again, you are trying to prove that you are a "better" fan. Other red wings fans that haven't gone to all playoff games or own sweaters, etc shouldnt be called hard core by your definition. Maybe they don't have the money for those activities. Does it make them any less of a fan? In your mind it does.
Labels...status....I'm not the one putting a negative spin on it.
I'll leave you with this thought. I played just about every game I could put my hands on when I was younger...played Atari, colecovision, nes, snes, commodore64, vic20, PC, Sega, game boy, blah blah blah. Because I have such a history with gaming does that earn me a special label compared to the younger generation that didn't play any or all of those? I guess I'll call myself an original gamer and that trumps any kind of gamer that comes after. But wait, that would be stupid.
We're all gamers.