i think technical riding is part of it, and enhances the experience. you don't have to clean every section or be able to ride everything, but if you refuse to ride a trail that may be "technical" then you are missing out. i know a guy who will ride any of his favorite trails super fast and can't wait to drop you, but if you suggest he ride a techy trail you might enjoy, he won't ride it. because "that's not riding a bike." he won't admit he is scared or can't do it and he doesn't want to learn. he isn't a "mountain biker" in my opinion. he is a roadie on dirt. many riders are.
technical trails are a GREAT equalizer. i'm happy to take guys who ride for fitness and act like they are so badass on techy trails, and suddenly, they aren't having any fun, because they aren't winning and can't ride a bike.
also, as i've said before, it comes down to attitude. don't act like you are the king $h1t and tell me how badass you are unless you can ride what i ride. i'm not fast, but i can handle a bike a lot better than many "mountain bike racers."