Tastes vary for sure Bill...
I grew up in Texas and the edge of Louisiana, and just the variety of BBQ in those regions is interesting. I have a friend, born and raised in the Bronx that makes the best all around chili - that anybody can eat ( because it is not fiery hot) - and it is full of beans.
Chili - like BBQ as well as religion and politics is truly a personal experience - that sometimes others want to share. ( Just no sharing of religion and politics on the forum - thank you very much
Living in NC - I have come to love pulled pork, but I never had any of it - or heard of it until I came here.
I think like many other foods, chili is one of those "comfort" foods that has to be a certain way because it's how we remember it as a kid - and it is as much a memory stimulus as it is a food.
But, in Texas - You open the door for ladies, you don't talk bad of John Wayne, and you don't put beans in the chili.