A well thought out post, with no aggression. Perhaps others could take note.
I would love to improve, but am at an age where my golf is likely to go one way. My handicap has risen 3 shots in less than two years, and the WHS has just given me yet another shot back. I actually know people who would give up golf all together if that had happened to them. A guy I play with has just had his handicap adjusted from 22 to 36, but he hasn't figured out yet if he is happy about this or annoyed. To be honest though, he is a pretty rubbish golfer. We played Stableford the other week, and he hadn't managed to get a single point after 8 holes. He gave up and went home, the poor sod. Like you say, it's about what you enjoy, and what you want out of the game. For me it's company, exercise, and fresh air. I have only ever played golf a few times with people who take the game very seriously (both good and bad) and go out of my way to avoid playing with them again. I must emphasize though, even though I don't take the game very seriously, I do believe in good etiquette and respect of ones partners.