So you don't think that the guys who are "shaving down, putting on a thong, and modeling for other men" are trying to prove something to themselves, either? Or am I misunderstanding what you're saying?
Competing isn't a realistic option for the great majority of us - at least not on a national level. It requires a level of genetics and disipline that very, very few folks in the world possess.
Besides - ironically - isn't "modeling for other men" (our fellow Meso members = 99% other men) EXACTLY WHAT THIS VERY THREAD IS ALL ABOUT? By posting pics here showing our progress, are we not guilty of modeling our physiques/progress for the commentary/approval of other men?