I just scanned through all 83 posts and frankly, I didn't see hatred. I read a few friendly jabs (and I jabbed back a little), I read some attempts to make an objective argument about speed, and, frankly, I saw a lot of defensiveness from fellow recumbent riders.

My conclusion (and I'm one of the enlightened few) is that it's not about the bike. We're going to laugh at you regardless of what kind of bike you ride, what kind of riding clothes you wear, and pretty much anything else. Don't take it personally.