Yes, this is a game. However, games of this type are a social function. If you wanted a game where the social contract doesn’t apply, there are several video games that offer wonderful single player experiences. Miniatures, though, require someone else, and I believe that if you don’t recognize that, you will be hard pressed to find opponents soon. I won’t deny that there are people who come for things other than a social experience, but when talking about sportsmanship, that’s pretty much the key topic. Painting, fluff, and rules knowledge do not impact most people’s minds when giving out sportsman rankings. How they conduct themselves and act during their game enters into every time. I’m not saying bake a batch of brownies for everybody, but in order to develop your “inner sportsman” or whatever, you need be a generally agreeable dude.

I agree with your general principles, but I don’t agree with your solution. I’ve had many – more, in fact – vociferous arguments over rules and balance and errat and play than I have over background. Which isn’t to say that background doesn’t cause ‘em too, and I’m as disappointed as anyone when someone overidentifies with their faction or game or hobby and uses that as an excuse to douche out.