A: The stance / fat lace / fresh alloy car show scene does like bike racks, and bike racks with bikes are even better. What OP thinks he's seeing does happen. However, this is probably not what is actually being seen driving around town.
B: I have driven 3 miles to the lake to ride around, then drive back. Agreed it's pretty weak but the bike is still in transport to being ridden, not just for show or "street cred". I like hitting that trail until I'm done, then driving up the impossible hill that there is no way I can make it up running 48/16. Heat index of 110+ makes me lazy I guess.
C: I'm done hearing about "street cred"
Also,
while i'd like to give these people the benefit of the doubt, its hard when it has been super sunny and humid and not exactly pleasant weather to ride a bike.
That logic is backwards. For the rec rider, 90% humidity at 105 degrees is an ok reason to skip the commute portion of a ride. (this excuse only valid while sun is up) It sounds like you are the one not riding, blaming the heat =)