Fred, a little advice..... don't worry if someone thinks you are a fan. I think it's silly to come up with definitions and standards of what real fans are. I think it's even sillier to worry about what someone thinks of your level of fandom.
I could never figure why first of all anyone would care how long I've been a fan or how many bad seasons I've endured, as if it effects them somehow. Secondly I could never figure why those people think I would in a million years care what they think. Call me a bandwagon pink hat wearing fan.... I do not care. I am not seeking anyone's acceptance. Stick and stones......you know.