Gertrude
I don't know.
I know many people who break the speed limit - eg most people seem to drive at about 80 mph on motorways - but I don't know anyone who breaks it while thinking everybody else should keep to it. They would, indeed, be plonkers as you say.
On the other hand, I suspect there are some pilots who occasionally break the 500' or 1500' rule themselves, but are terribly 'holier than thou' about others who do so.
The main thrust of my post was the point on which we agree: Breaking a Rule of the Air reg doesn't necessarily mean reckless (or dangerous) flying. It may, or it may not, depending upon the circumstances.