Exactly, autolycus. It's a 'spectator sport'. Like watching a football game on TV, surely it's better for a man to actually play in a match than watch others having the pleasure! You're right, TV takes up time we could spend doing things ourselves. But it can add to those pleasures. For example, I adore gardening and grow all sorts of things. It gives me exercise, fresh air and much pleasure. But I do watch one or two gardening programmes, and I get ideas, inspiration and tips from them.
Little Hawk, you're so right! I found I could 'get over' the rather insulting remarks by that poster with a bit of sensible thought and grounding. It WAS valuable and taught me quite a bit about being strong in oneself. Actually, most adversities, though horrendous at the time, teach us things and strengthen our defences.