Ahhhh....that'll be the usual warm CA greeting then 
I protest! I'm interested to welcome nlash and hear his view on the subject. But why should I be welcoming to someone who merely preaches a 'holier than thou' sermon, sanctimoniuosly suggests we are idiots and snaps the tin lid on it by then telling us that in all liklihood, we are inferior anyway!
Robbo - get off my back dude. I too have driven several Lotus/Cat 7's (I couldn't fit in either). I acknowledge that they are good track cars. Sure, they accelerate (to a point), but in other respects, I find them to be severely wanting. You don't have to be boned-out, basic to enjoy big performance. I'm not a fan - lot's of people are - they're masochists of course, but whatever floats your boat....
I'm weary of trying to defend good American sportscars - so I won't bother. Reading the figures and road/track tests tells the real story. I respectfully suggest that (like in all matters) "Don't knock it, until you've tried it".
It is true that there are some very, very, very bad drivers in this country (USA) - just like in England and France (I'm English, remember). Not all American roads are straight. Some American cars are atrocious. Some Ferraris are terrible. My dad is bigger than your dad etc, etc,