Yep, this is pretty much my approach to it. Reality is what you make of it and there are no overriding goals or a great scorecard at the end, so why not get good enough at something that you can feel what it's like to truly kick ass? Sure, it's not real in the classical sense, but who cares?

Some of my most exceptional moments were directly seen by hundreds and shaped the fate of thousands in a game called Travian. Will they ever know the actual me? Not in person, no. Does it matter? I say no. It's still me, I had a blast doing it, and I got a chance to really stretch my brain as well, in an arena of strategy and tactics that will likely never see practical applications in solid things.

This is also why I am completely hooked on PvP games in general. Beating the computer is pointless, as you're either playing a gimped opponent or playing an opponent who never had a chance. Playing another person? That's real.