How did nitrous get such a bad rep...?

The way I look at nitrous is it is the least expensive of the power adders. Just like any other area of the engine, when you use the cheapest available part (rockers, lifters, etc.) you will be ridiculed for being a cheapskate. I think nitrous kinda falls in this category. Like “Build a real motor and you won’t need NO2 you cheap bastard”. Always comes back to the money. My $.02.
So I guess your a rick guy!