I like the varying viewpoints here. It just goes to show how proud people are of their BBQ traditions. And Hub's write-up pretty well says it all. There are so many BBQ traditions that BBQ simply cannot be summed up in any one viewpoint. BBQ really does mean different things to different folks. And that's a good thing!
I remember when I moved to North Carolina at the age of 19, I very quickly learned how proud North Carolinians are of their BBQ tradition. Whether it's Lexington style or Eastern style, to them BBQ means pulled pork, or having a pig pickin' (what we called a "pig roast" in Ohio).
My biggest lesson was realizing that the differences added to my BBQ experience, and lead to some mighty fine eating!