I don't really understand the whole FTF obsession. The only reason I can think of is to try to snag an FTF prize, but few ever have them. It doesn't really matter to me.
I guess it just comes down to what you view gc'ing as - to me it's a hobby, like fishing. Sure there's a goal, but it's the getting there that's the fun part. If you see it as a game, then you're only going to be frustrated because someone else is always going to have more free time, more resources to throw at it, a fanatic mentality, and a huge head start. You'll never "win", and it can only lead to dissapointment.
In the end i guess it's like anything - there's always someone out there willing to get all bent out of shape and throw a punch over some conceived injustice, no matter the size or setting. The trick is not being there when it happens