The more SS/Fixed folks try to justify themselves, the worse it gets. That "Tao of SS" is more like a mindless rant than anything.

I am a biker and I still don't understand the charm about SS/Fixed - other than being a retro thing (as in, I rode an SS for 10 years during my childhood ). It is a little like using leather boots and cable bindings for downhill skiing. Charming, but highly restrictive.

Having said that, I expect no explanations from the SS/Fixed crowd. Be proud, make no excuses and give no explanations. You ride SS/Fixed because you like it. Period.