There are some interesting replies here. I'm surprised by the hostility of some people, but that's ok. This forum does have a greater emphasis on product than training or anything else, and people love their gear I suppose.

In answer to some enquiries -

I have a real job (as in Monday to Friday) which generates most of my income. I pay taxes, and everything else, and don't reside in a cave.

I have friends, from both sides of the political divide.

This thread was written when I did have a lot of time to stare at my navel. And yes, as has been pointed out, I need to get laid. No one is more aware of this than me.

I just think that profit motive shouldn't drive this sport. The moments I enjoy most in it are the times when training or racing where you reach a state of mental stillness, where your physical state is in tune with the rest of you and you are clearly expressing your will in action. Branding, and the rest of it, seem such an irrelevance at these times.