I think there's as much snobbery surrounding alcohol as there is with music BL. I try to be tolerant to other peoples tastes but some times I do wince, I have to confess. If I know somebody is going to spoil a drink with ice, water or too much mixer, I tend to give them the cheaper stuff and save the good stuff for people who appreciate it
I do think it's different with single malts as they all have their own characteristics. Some, especially the really peaty ones, can be enhanced with a chunk of ice or splash of water. Very often the description on the back of the bottle will tell you how to drink it, or you can just try it neat and if it's not for you try it with a splash. The difference can be amazing at times. Also, some of the very light red wines, like Italian Rosso, are actually better served chilled and drank al fresco on a warm sunny day.
Anyway, enough BS from me. I almost sound like I know what I'm talking aboutlol