For better or worse, the technology has matured. What used to lie in the realm of the tinkerer and hobbyist is now just an appliance used daily by my grandmother.

My stepson used to tinker with his gaming rig... but now has it dialed in and that's pretty much fallen by the wayside too.

Personally, I still view them as tools. I can (and do) appreciate them for what they are, but I appreciate them even more for what they let me do.