Yeah why not. A nerdo is a nerdo.

Yes, but I don't imagine they wanna be

sure why not, to suggest otherwise is pointless gatekeeping - like, there are people now who say that people who play mobile games on their phone aren't 'real' gamers, who cares?

Yes.

no =P (unless they also happen to be gamers).

I don't speak on behalf of all gamers, but I include board games and card games into the 'game-o-sphere'. So sure, you can be an absolute gamer at chess.

Board games yes.

Yes. Chess is one of the more blood thursty games on the planet. The intensity of the fight is almost always getting on a personal level quickly and you got lurkers, admirers, fans and supporters and apprentices who outdo their masters while being teenagers. Also it is very aggressive, hostile and brings up every mad human condition. As such chess is a game like the most ego-shooters want to be but hardly reach?