seems like the best attitude to have.
since no else is gonna turns the pedals for any of us, what does it matter what anyone thinks?
can't say I've read much in posts which deride hybrids, other than pointing out what some might consider 'limitations'. Whether those are limitations or just variations is really for each of us to decide.

quote - "Am I wrong, but it seems like no one on these boards has anything good to say about hybrid bikes. Is there a reason, or is it some kind of bike snob thing?" -

Roadies (and maybe some commuters, MTBers, Trackies and even Bent riders...) may have prejudice against 'Hybrids'; but like most ingrained and insideous prejudices, they tend to worm around under the surface, so to speak. But rarely broached in polite company.

Considering that hybrids really evolved from MTBs adapted for road use, what they offer in this kinship may be more suited for some and not desired by others.
I do notice more 'justification' from Hybrid riders, which is really only necessary if there something special the hybrid does for you in particular.
On a similar tangent, I rarely read 'justification' from 'Bent' riders. They ride em for their reason, note what they like and naysayers be dammed. Which is as it should be.

Quote - "Do older riders really use the road-style bikes?"

Well, I don;t consider myself 'old', since I'm happily one of the younger members in this forum. I 'abuse' mine as often as I'm allowed. It has many more advantages for me than any other bike form. I personally find a nice road machine to be a highwater expression of the art and industrial form of the bicycle. Course as I gain more decrepitude, my personal prefs may change, but my regard for a fine road machine will not.