This is interesting. Actually, I don't fully understand why this topic needs to be discussed. But since we're here, I'll throw my two dimes on the table.
I think roleplaying in general always has two interconnected perspectives:
1) World creation
2) Actual (game) play
Those who concentrate on creating the world invariably build a deep and varied understanding of what the world is about, and how. This usually means pondering questions of society, culture, history and religion. Those who play games in the world often find this understanding "esoteric".
Those who concentrate on playing games in the world invariably build a deep and varied understanding of what the game is about, and how. This usually means pondering the game system, simulation, character creation and game balance. Those who create the world often find this understanding "esoteric".
For some reason, "esoteric" is still used more of the world creation rather than equally of game play. Personally, I have both created and played, yet for me the discussions on game play and rules systems is way more "esoteric" than discussions on e.g. Gloranthan cultures.
On HQ & RQ... Yes, they are different. The systems aim at different things, and have different methods of resolution. It comes naturally that people choose systems that suit their preferences, and that the systems used thus mirror the preferences of the players. There's no utility in building value-laden opinions of those who use one or the other of the systems, or no system at all.
Both RQ and HQ are "esoteric" to me, as are the discussions around the systems. This is not so much a result of the systems, but rather a result of me using my time more with world creation than with the systems. Yes, I spend more time hanging on the WoG ML than here, but it would be a blatant misunderstanding to think that I would be somehow despising this forum.
Often the most interesting and challenging questions and insights in WoG ML come from people who approach the setting from the game play perspective. It's those who play no attention to dug-in premises that get to share the most. And almost invariably the discussions both here and "there" are superbly polite, aiming at real understanding of different angles of approach.
Discussion is all that matters, the salt of both perspectives, the way to build up understanding and mutual feel-good.
IMHO.
-Ilkka