Michael, I don't think Jing was trying to be elitist with what he said. Infact I can't even see where you got the idea that he was being elitist. Again, you seemed to have jumped the gun (no offense intended).
However, I totally aggree with you in what you said about elitism, flourishes and magic.
Yet the debate is inately circular; it will just go round and round forever.
However, a debate about Flourishes and Magic could provide some very interesting view points about how different performers mix/avoid the two.
Personally, I love flourishes. I think that if they are performed well they are beautiful to watch. However, I have yet to include a serious flourish section into any performance. I save my flourishes simply for showing off, and I'm not ashamed to say that

because in my opinion that is what they are for; they are a intricate display of skill and dexterity, in exactly the same way that gymnastics are.
Just to clarify, I now view flourishes as so much more than simply a collection of cuts, fans, etc. These I use out of neccesity in my performances.