> I don't care much for definitions - because dictionaries are often years or decades behind how words are literally used.

I don't care that you don't care for definitions. Words have meaning, whether you care about them or not.

The whole premise of your anecdotes are based upon your experience and the way your brain operates. That's the definition of bias. That's the reason why dismissing someone based upon your perceived lack of mastery of their hobby, something by definition is something someone does just for fun, is horrible for any sort of hiring needs or purposes.

Telling me "I do this as a hobby" and "I am this" are two completely different statements.