I wouldn't exactly say I'm proud to be a roadie. I just hope nobody flattens me with their SUV. I'd settle for that. Any ride you can walk away from is a good ride. And that is exponentially the case for me when it comes to my MTB : ).
I do all of this for fun. Even the gnarly Road Nazi hammerfests and races. You gotta do what works for you. I am now, and will probably remain, a total and complete MTB Fred.