Ithink playtime is everything to do with being "hardcore"

I know very skilled players that arent even half way through relic because of time restraints.

Then there are people with every relic that play 8+ hours everyday, if they take the game this seriously of course they are going to be skilled players also.

if your "Hardcore" they must take the game very seriously and are willing to devote all their time to it..

I dont think its being "butthurt" to say it is rediculous to spend so much time in a video game.. its common sense.