Nah, this is an audiophile cop out. Hate to say it, but if it was "all about the music" we wouldn't need HC, or HF, or AA, or sh.tv (the gear section anyway). I am insanely passionate about music, as any of my friends (online or IRL) will tell you, but I also absolutely love gear, and love talking about gear.
I believe Reks' comment to be slightly sarcastic, but in any humorous comment lies a piece of the truth.
By "lashing out", I mean people feel the need to attack "the headcase thing" when they find they and their gear aren't embraced with open arms.