For me the reason I spend so much time thinking about and learning about sharpening is that I spent the first 40 years of my life either doing paperwork, research, school, or office work. I did use power tools at times but I hadn't even sharpened a knife "free hand". Maybe I learned about sharpening a pocket knife in the Boy Scouts using a whetstone but that was 30 years ago. I would love to spend time considering design and as my skills progress I am actually learning ways to not just reproduce or copy a design but also add embellishment or slight changes to make that piece "mine" but I'm learning something new every day.
In any case, I appreciate everyone's replies here. I didn't know it would be so hotly a debated topic. I am an amateur; I would enjoy being considered a craftsman but until then I'll continue to keep an open mind, experiment, and try new things.