Old question and I stand by my thoughts:
I cook dinner for myself, it doesn't make me much of a chef.
My mom has a vegetable garden, that doesn't make her a farmer.
I know some first aid: it doesn't make me a doctor. (same logic, I won't let my chiropractor do open heart surgery just because he's a doctor).
I sing in the shower, it doesn't make me a singer.
I can fix minor problems in my toilet, it doesn't make me a plumber.
I'd be lying if I said I had no idea why people seem so scared of a different term for the more experienced, knowledgeable, killed, or devoted in a hobby, and I'm left shaking my head at people that feel they need this "title" of this "super elitist secret club" to enjoy gaming at the level they chose to. Myself, I was taught to be respectful of others that go above and beyond, so I have no problem with enthusiast labels, basically either thinking they are important enough to earn, or not important enough to care about having or not having.
Besides, the divide this debate is based in (value effort or treat everyone equal regardless of effort) would still exist without the term to quibble over. May as well be up front about it.