If you think the times are confusing, just think about the people who actually take these conversions seriously!

It is just people's preference.

That's like saying tall people prefer to be tall. I'm sure there are gay people who would prefer not to be gay. Unless you happen to be truly bi, there isn't much in the way of choice or preference involved.

I'm sure George Bush would prefer to be intelligent or Sylvester Stallone would prefer to be talented. Not going to happen no matter how hard they prefer.