This has been an interesting thread to read.
I held both Novice (5wpm & Basic theory) and Technician (5wpm and General theory) tickets in the 60's. I now hold a General ticket based on current Element 2 Technician exam, a 'courtesy' code test and proof of that earlier Technician license. So maybe I was a "real Technician" who recently became a "General lite". Beats me, and I really don't care: I get to work HF CW.
I recently received a (real) QSL card with the remark, "For a new ham, you operate CW like a pro!" There's more to being an amateur than that, but that was a very nice thing to read.
A ham can hold any class license, granted according to any protocol and pursue any aspect of the hobby, and be a lady or gentleman, or just be half-a-hog's-butt. The choice is available to each of us.
For my money, the "real" operator is freezing his butt off in a muddy hole, unwilling to do more than break squelch for fear that some bad guy will toss a grenade his way. But then, he's not an amateur, is he?
'Nuff soap-box.
73,
Jim
KE5CXX