I will say that if indeed HotRod's post was half in jest, then sure, I think this is blown way out of proportion.
But something tells me it is not, and while I do agree with some of your thoughts on stereotypes, they are pretty harmful in this situation as all I see are WoWers being slandered into looking like, as you say, 30-year olds in their mum's basement. Likewise, we're all big boys (presumably?), so I think we all know that many generalizations, this one included, are not true. As for being able to poke fun at oneself, I think I've already shown that I am willing to do so. I openly admit to being a nerd. We all are. So what? I'm proud of it. I believe myself to be more enlightened and cultured than most people I know, and I'm sure it's because I engage in "nerdy" activities. The fact that I still have a life is something I take pride in, knowing that I am just another case of somebody who defies the typical "gamer" stereotype.
Man, this feels totally off topic.
But I do hope this sort of discussion leads to the mending of ways by both parties. If indeed your fellow forumers are already open to the point of view and opinions I have expressed in my little "essay" (my apologies, WESHALLPRESERVE, for invading and posting such essays 
) then I challenge them to say so. I say this simply because I have felt nothing but deregatory insults, harmful stereotyping, and downright slander towards World of Warcraft players in this thread. EDIT: Just to make it clear, numerous injustices have been spoken by both sides.This is what led me to my previous assumptions that you guys were in fact *not* open to my point of view. My apologies if my assumptions were indeed incorrect.
I look forward to your reply. We're on a good path to settling this, I am sure. Cheers!