Very interesting indeed. I would say that radriano and I kind of agree that it isn't enough to be an expert, or a fan, to qualify as a maven, you also have to disseminate your knowledge. Ties into my feeling that you had to be CONSULTED, like an expert witness, on top of being the expert you have to be first. Aficionado and connoisseur seem to have similar meanings, what with the fanatic interest coupled with the great knowledge (although I think of conoisseurs as more knowledgeable than aficionados, who can just be enthusiastic, like fans, while still ignorant or at least unexpert). The main difference between radriano and me seems to be whether you are asked for your expertise or just proffer it. I would think that maven, which I think of as complimentary (despite all this new info about its disparaging meanings), would refer more to someone consulted than someone who just offers. Nuances, nuances. And I have not noticed maven being more for women, has anyone else? Perhaps it's just a similarity to bevy, or coven?