Marco, John. I fully understand your points and indeed accept their premise but this is another example of the bear trap of generalisation. In this wonderful Forum there are whole sections and multiple threads devoted to races, training, tactics, equipment and I have, of course, contributed to them fully over the last 15 years or so. But we've always had a Down The Pub section for idle chit chat. And what is said there should not be seen to be anything remotely relevant to the main thrust of talking about running and racing in the fells anymore than a real life pint or two in a bar after a race is relevant to the race.
But it would be churlish for anyone to admit that those times spent in the post-race pub with folk of like mind are not a very pleasurable side bar to the whole enterprise of getting out in the fells. And would any active runners really bar or snub any previously active racers who, by force of circumstance, have had to hang up their Walshes? I honestly dont think so, do you? So where is the harm in having a similar courtesy offered to those in our virtual bar? Whilst I like to recall my greatest times in racing (and who doesn't) I am more motivated by keeping those precious friendships alive whilst having to embrace change to my physical ability. Yes, we can joke about "sad gits" club but there is the very real issue of the mental health of those who can no longer run or race but get a feeling of support from being able to sociably compare their experiences (old and new) with those in similar circumstances.