If this was how my experiences were, I'd have given up on gaming so, so many moons ago.
OUR REAL GAME NIGHT:
Option 1:
"I don't feel like sitting down for a board game tonight. Want to shoot some pool?"
(everyone): Hell yeah.
(Mickey): Pass the bong.
Option 2:
"Hey, this new game, it's like El Grande a bit. Looks cool. I took the time to learn the rules well, and I can explain it easily"
(one person at the table): "Man, I'm not feeling learning something."
(everyone else): "Cool. What to play then?"
(that one person): "How about (x)?"
(everyone else): "Cool. Let's do it."
(Mickey:) "hey, Chief, puff puff pass my nig"
Where is the self appointed "game evangelist" that shows up to educate everyone about "better" board games, who just so happens to have some "gateway" games in the trunk of his '95 Toyota Camry?