And some people swear it is a music festival, and some people think it's really about art. And some people just consider it extreme camping. There is probably a lesson here somewhere.

We probably know different circles to have different experiences of the same event. Perhaps we are different ages and may be in different stages of our lives, and as a result have friends and people we know valuing different things.

I myself thought it was really awesome to roll and party at the burn when I was younger, but now volunteering and giving back is more important to me. It is more gratifying in the long run, and so perhaps as a result I know more people of a similar mindset?

It might be your description of burners is less a reflection on the event, and more about who you know personally. Just a thought.