I've been thinking about the middle for a while now because that is where I am. I usually start a game with the casual mindset, but will go hardcore to try to squeeze a bit more of entertainment out of the game.
Maybe we can help define the middle right here at OnRPG as 'Casual-Core' and make it acceptable and widespread in the gaming community. Spread this word around by saying you are a 'Casual-Core' player when people ask 'what kind of gamer are you'!