Ok this is where I would like to jump in.
The hobby does not exist with out the community to support it. If it was not for the people in to gaming, painting, diorama's, chatting about it on forums and and excited to show their friends about it we very well would all be scrap booking right now.
I came in to all this just painting after stressful days and only picked up the playing aspect when I figured I should have a reason to have 100+ toy soldiers lying around. I have also taken this to the point where I have begun regularly competing in painting competitions (also done more then my share of mini tournaments) I would exist very fine in just the painting realm but I also enjoy the meeting like minded fans as well. I never field unpainted armies unless I have some pretty extenuating circumstances. aka just starting out and picking out a force or list, or in wyrd's case just coming out. I play against a ton of unpainted armies and really don't mind it all. But have found the same stress to have stuff painted as a requirement drive my friend who was developing in to this right out. You know how I got him back in to this stuff? Playing uncharted seas with buisness cards and probably will never push him more then that unless he asks.
I see no reason why show casing each part Painting, Gaming and the whole enchilada in their own respective turn isn't some thing reasonable. May take some creativity but each person should get the right to focus on what they find to be fun. Their is so many reasons to get in this having one stone cold set of guide lines will never be possible. For now though I rather play with my friend who enjoys gaming and makes the process fun then the jerk with a full painted army who pulls out when the dice get rocky. I paint with the jerk every thusday night cause while he is a jerk, he is at least passionate and knowledgeable about painting. While each may be missing out on a side of the "hobby" I really find they get more out of it as they are enjoying what they find the best.
I find no issue with what PP did and find them giving an forum for each side of the deabte very good. Painters have their contest, Gamers have the various tournement formats, and the hella serious ones have Hardcore which challenges and rewards paitning and various ways of playing.
I spend 40+ hours painting a mini at times and don't see why I should make others spend the same amount of time or any. Sorry for this length and I hope it doesn't come off as prechy, ranty or rude. I just honestly don't see why this has to be this difficult to find middle ground and let people enjoy how they want.
I will not respond to the topic any more but please feel free to post your reply. If any one would like to continue to discuss this with me please feel free to give me a pm.