First, I'm not sure if this fits your specific defining of hardcore, but to many it involves frequency of play time; Casuals are pick up and play every now and then and prefer simple games, Hardcores play every chance they get and prefer games that have a steep learning curve. I disagree with these limited definitions. Many players, myself included, rarely find time to play. I play maybe once a week, if that. That said, I still seek out games that require an investment in building skill and enjoy playing games that I have to learn more about along the way. So where does that put me and the many others like me? Casual? In time spent playing, yes. Hardcore? In game preference and time spent learning the mechanics, maybe. To me, the real problem with gaming is the gamers themselves. Not all of them by far, but the percentage who "elite" themselves by believing that there is a divide based on petty categorization such as hardcore or casual. The simple resolution to your dilemma is to play the games you enjoy, enjoy them for what they are, and be thankful that there are enough gamers (casual, hardcore or whatever else they want to call themselves) to make it possible to have a gaming industry at all.