In my experience, hams break down roughly down into two groups. Yep, there are those who like to ragchew about any/everything. For them radio is a means, not an end.

And then those who are really interested in ham radio itself ... equipment, antennas, modes, propagation ... any of the endless opportunities to explore and trade ideas about new radio experiences with other people.

Those discussions are easiest to have without repeaters or HF QRM. Get to know who's technical in your area (they -do- pop up on repeaters now and then) and those discussions can endlessly fun without the bragging and the B.S.

There are thousands of things to try, and a never-ending range of new technical variations to combine. Possibilities these days are really endless.