I thought HNMs just referred to the high level NMs that took a lot of people to kill and most of the time the NM would give a title after defeat? Meh maybe i'm wrong and talking just for the sake of. I also thought Nidhogg was considered an HNM and he was a lottery spawn that took days to get a chance to kill? Maybe I am wrong but nonetheless If I am then I will accept it.
Also, being hardcore doesn't mean you know and remember everything in and out about the game. That would be an elitist which I have never claimed to be. To me a hardcore gamer is someone willing to achieve the greatest rewards the game has to offer by putting in the most effort. Casuals are someone that are very busy but enjoys gaming when he/she can for however long that may be each session.
Enjoy the discussion though. I'm going to sleep and will read this entire thread tomorrow and will post if I still have an issue.