The argument you're making is for those geeks with an elitist mentality. Those of us who need to have the l33t gear and most cutting edge gadgets. It gives you energy and drive to do what you need to do to get what you want, but not everyone has or needs that mentality. I'm so glad not all geeks are elitists. I'm more of a casual geek, and that works for me. I don't own any German boardgames, but I like to play them with my friends and listen to them ramble on about them. I enjoy good beer, but I'm not shy about texting Pete for an opinion when I need it.
I think this is the center of the argument, the definition of the word geek. What you refer to as elitist geek is the entire definition of geek for most people. The term geek in that sense implies that there is no such thing as elitist geeks or casual geeks, just geeks. The two ends of the spectrum would be geeks and casual enjoyers.
If you don't pursue many interested but never to the point of geek status, well then maybe you can call yourself a renaissance man and now you have your own fun arbitrary title to throw around!
EDIT: I used the term renaissance man and now I can't stop thinking of this:
I never loved the pigeon analogy. It assumes that the pigeon is worth grabbing and won't peck at your hand once you have it. It also doesn't give any degrees of success. Either you have that pigeon or you don't have that pigeon.
That's not quite the pigeon story. The pigeon story is really talking about the kind of mentality it takes to finally succeed. It has more to do with breaking writer's block than it does anything else.
those geeks with an elitist mentality
Every single geek is an elitist, at least to some extent. You recognize quality and are not ashamed to pursue only those things that you perceive to be of a higher quality. The question is whether or not you're a prick about it.
My point is that you have to have something. Maybe you're car geekery is specific to taking really shitty cars and making them the best they can be. But if you say you're a computer geek, and you don't even have an Arduino, that's going to raise some eyebrows.
Hood-rides are for awesome people! I will get one sometime.
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Wrong goddamn thread.
If you don't pursue many interested but never to the point of geek status, well then maybe you can call yourself a renaissance man and now you have your own fun arbitrary title to throw around!
EDIT: I used the term renaissance man and now I can't stop thinking of this: