Here, here to your observations. I for one hate to see such divisions between people. I've seen this occur in everything I've done - Rock Climbing (Traditional vs. sport vs. bouldering), Snow sports (skiing vs. free-heel vs. snowboarding), archery (compound vs. traditional), etc. etc. etc.
I've been a committed cyclist since 1978, and I've had the privelidge of experiencing (and enjoying) just about every form of the sport. I used to ride in a competetive format (e.g. rides were for training purposes) - which I attribute to youth, and I now ride for the sheer joy and functional simplicity (or is it simple functionality?) of it. I am doing my best to commute by bicycle (3-4 days a week at present), and I love the bicycle as a form of transportation and as a vehicle of enjoyment.
I just have to quietly smile to myself when I see people exchange heated words on such trivial perceptions, because (as Ya Tu Sabes observed above) we humans seem to have a natural tendency to cling desperately to our perceptions.

I do not currently own a fixie, but I'm in the process of planning to build one up for my commute. I like the general demeanor of the fixed gear "subculture", as they generally tend to be more open minded and less tied to their own egos.

Keep it real,
Michael