Hello!
I am a fellow gen owner, mostly APs, Hublots and a couple of IWCs and Rolexes, and I think I enjoy the company of this community more than the other forums I frequent. The gen vs rep watch related topics have been discussed to death, and I am sure everyone would have their opinion to offer on the subjects relating to this.
For me, a watch is a personal item of choice, and I enjoy my fair share of rep watches, and I enjoy hanging out in this community very much. Depending on the specific watch model, I would buy either the gen or rep one. I do not discriminate against rep watches at all, and in fact I enjoy them very much lol.
You will enjoy your stay here if you adopt an open mind and attitude. A lot of members here own gen watches, and like you mentioned, the knowledge shared in this forum is simply humbled me when I first joined last year.