Rap isn't the only genre where the hardcore fans will rag on the casual ones based on the latter's liking of a popular artist.
Metallica is the Lil Wayne of the metal community.
Meaning, if a metalhead is over 15 and rocking a Metallica shirt, the diehard, long haired group will generally point and laugh at him liking Metallica. There's a double standard in the legacy of thrash's "Big Four": Apparently, it's cool to like Anthrax, it's cool to like Megadeth, it's cool to like Slayer, but Metallica is a pariah.
I used to agree with the ridicule, but now I know it's bullshit.
Metallica did sell out a little bit, but that doesn't change the fact that they're talented, or that they were releasing classic after classic at one point.
They make very good music, and I envy the casual listener because you don't have to feel like you're in the closet by liking Metallica.
I have to apologize to Spyder for making him the victim of my ignorance a while ago.