Tinkering with bikes is a chore I have to do. Riding bikes is something I love to do. If I've got to spend a lot of time tinkering with my bikes, then I have less time to ride.
And yeah, I take things to the shop when they break. Being a good cyclist doesn't make me a good mechanic.
Most newbie bicyclists aren't looking for projects, a lot of them get discouraged the first time they get a flat.
Sorry, I don't buy either the "they're all pos" or "they're all just fine with a little work".