Well, I find that when I get to know my neighbors, those relationships soften potential irritants (the kind that are so much more intense from strangers). As to being alone under a tree, for sure that setting wins but when I crawl into my tent I will either have my music (via earbuds) or be fast asleep. This isn't a camping experience for me, it's hammering over mountain passes in the daytime and being really tired in the evenings. I'm simply not interested in fumbling with equipment after a high altitude day of intense bicycling, it's not like I haven't lived in the wilderness and it's not like I won't do it again. For this trip, this time, I think my choices are valid and I'll have a great time in part because, besides my gear, I'm bringing a really optimistic and positive attitude to the game! There's no proper way to do things, just each of our preferences.
BTW, my comment, "the only way to camp" was said with humor and the lightest of intentions.