I think everyone's problem (or not) with Fred is their own mental connotation of Fred.

on iBoB google groups, Fred=BoB, and they wear it like a badge of honor.

Really guys, sticks and stones.

There are a couple of young guys I ride with who like to compliment me by telling me I'm riding a great Cruiser (if they happen to catch me).
Thank you (not what I would call it) - but it is Fred or BoB, or something like that.

To me, Fred means self-supported no matter what happens on the ride.