Good to see you on, Mike. Stick around.
Hell, I played in bands for 25 years, the first 15 of them in "heavy-ish" bands. I never did like the "metal" part of the "heavy metal" expression, since it only appeared to fit a few bands, mostly as discussed above. "Heavy Rock" was what I called it, and still do. Not that I'm accusing you of anything, Mike. It's amazing what takes and what doesn't.
Spinal Tap had to be the ultimate expression of HM, didn't it? I have the DVD and watch it regularly when I need a good laugh. I also have the book and giggle my way through a few pages from time to time. I was rather fortunate to have a brother-in-law who was an amplifier genius (and part-time thief; he managed to lay his hands on Marshall circuits way back when). He rebuilt my amp for me and it went to 11/10, although it wasn't on the dial.
I only have a v-amp now, so no one else has to suffer ...
Led Zep was never HM. Never!
