Well put.Aside from the cunt-off you have stumbled into....
I would be interested in the distinction you make between "fans" & "supporters".... Your articulation suggests that to you "fandom" is more commited than "support".
To me, "support" vs "fandom" transcends the 'local vs long-distance' debate and the idea of true support has a depth which far outweighs the concept of mere fandom (for instance I'd associate fandom with a less committed affinity that I might elsewhere associate with a pop band or TV show) .
Keen to hear your thoughts when the heat dies down.....
I wonder how long we’d survive if our mums and dads were simply fans of ours, instead of supporters.