"There is also a portion of riders who want nothing to do with the "culture" of the fixie, and just enjoy riding it."

Er, that might describe me. The hybrid (Raleigh C40) I made into a fixie floats my boat. So, too, my 26" fg -- a very old mtn bike -- that's kitted out with Wald bars and BMX grips. I think a front basket would look nice, too.