Jim,
You're right, and that is very well said.
I guess I just get a little uncomfortable when the animosity seems directed at the car/driver rather than the marketing strategy. I sure know I don't want to be in my buddy's 996 anywhere around Chuck, lest he toss a grenade our way.
Like everybody, I wish that Porsche's current direction isn't what it is, but if you want or need a new car, the 996 or Boxster are hardly horrible choices. And their styling is fine by me, especially when compared to contemporary competition--I've also had some BMW M cars, but give me a 996 "Taurus" over a chunky E46 M3 any day!