I can certainly appreciate your perspective and don't disagree with it persay. But consider a few more thoughts...
The "geeks" aren't opposed to anything that isn't the latest... but in tradition, we get last-years model at the discounted rate. Now, we get last year's model with a plastic casing, making it thicker and heavier, and only in colours that many people don't find too appealing. So, even those who were excited to get a 5 at the $99 are disappointed, as their only option for that is the 5C which is inferior.
Fortunately, you can buy a 5 for less than the 5C, and slap whatever case you want on it if you wish. You don't have to be a geek or anything... it's about not wasting money on account of Apple's margins.
Regardless of what you do with your phone, getting the best for your money is always good because it means it should last longer (in terms of software support) and hold its value better at the end.
It's not about being high and mighty... people just don't want to feel like they're being played.