As someone who didn't spend time on private lakes or on the course, your perspectives are enlightening. For me, it was simply growing up watching my dad ski. I wasn't clouded by the sexiness of other tow sports. I just bought my first boat, and I'll admit, I won't be pushing friends to slalom right off the bat. They'll likely try wakeboarding, etc, because they can accomplish a lot in a day. Takes a long time to just attempt a slalom turn.
I do think it is important to grow the sport, but of course, I have nothing to lose by doing so. For me, it is just sharing the sport, and exposing it to others.