Claiming the term, embracing what people say about him, and drawing a line that means something to him even if they can't see the difference. No apologies or excuses, just an emphasis on what he's able to do with it that justifies everything, along with a bit of arrogance that they can't see that. *loves*

Me too!

Treating Sherlock like he's normal is the secret, and it does seem to work both ways. Links back to what you said about Sherlock acknowledging John's need for action/mayhem/excitement and not judging him for it. They fill the same need for each other.

Yes, exactly! They both need each other and they both love each other for being exactly what they needed - someone to accept them as they are and not expect them to be something they are not.