Well, I've been reading the board for a long time but this is my first actual post. This thread is fascinating and I think highlights very clearly why the MMM message and the forum, at times, is very compelling.
I'm likely in the extreme camp of MMM readers, as follows. Very significant income - scaling up for 20 years to a 7 figure level, with assets created from savings from that income and subsequent investments. So, I just wanted to contribute briefly with a perspective from this vantage point, which is limited by definition but may be instructive to someone reading this thread.
I suppose in colloquial terms, my main suggestion to you would be: "rich people" admire and learn from MMM too, and apply the lessons their own way. High income doesn't weaken the power of the message or make it less relevant. Take it from me.
I have learned a tremendous amount from reading MMM philosophy over the last couple of years and also, frequently, from the forum. He is an exceptionally clear-thinking and logical person. You do not need to agree with everything at all to still derive a lot of benefit from the messages and recommendations. I do consider him a "philosopher" of sorts, with a very coherent set of messages and world view. It is impressive, not to mention enjoyable, and you take from it what works and is valuable to you.
In my case, I already knew well before finding this community and the specific MMM ideas, that money did not equal happiness. Money was a means to an end - freedom. But what is "freedom" and how do you best articulate it?
Some of the arguments on this blog help crystallize the logic behind freedom very clearly and uniquely. For example, frugality for it's own sake ("it's the right thing to do") and the sake of the planet can be part of that.
I find myself adding the MMM perspective to many of the things I do and think about doing, and when I provide counsel to others. I did it somewhat instinctively before, but now I do it consciously and more constructively, and that is a good thing.