I agree with you Todd. Being involved gains reccognition. Last month Andy and I went to Terra Del Sol (a HUGE Jeep event in the San Diego area). THOUSANDS of Jeeps in one place at one time. We were there with a group of friends with Jeeps. (The same group of friends that came with us to Moab Zu 2 years ago.) Saying we were Fishes out of water would be a total understatement. HOWEVER..... in a sea of Jeeps Andy's Vehicross, and my Amigo stuck out! With thousands of Jeeps I saw only 2 other Isuzu's (first gen Amigo and Gilberts awesome Trooper). Everytime Andy's Proton Yellow Vehicross went up a hill he drew attention. The hills he goes up are the ones the Jeeps attempted (and most failed) to go up so that right there caused reactions. Every hill had people around the vehicle asking questions.
His truck is well known to the Forestry Service (he volunteers), he's always at clean up events (volunteers), and we've been active in a club that has an adopt a trail. If your club is mainly Jeeps gain the respect by what you can do. You can't prove that you can do it unless they see you do it.
Show them what you can do, and change their minds.