Electronics 'Hacking' seems to be a new thing - to me at least - anyone else know people like that?
Only everyone I went to school with that got started in electronics this way. I don't understand why you would call this a "new" thing. Most engineers I know that are EEs who love what they do, started this way.
I suppose there is a group other there who have no interest in expanding their knowledge. But doesn't any hobby have this group? Software was already mentioned. What about people who modify their cars with no thoughts to safety? Chefs who just throw stuff together? Or Golfers that just go out and hit a ball?