Right on, Soltaker! I feel the same way.

In defense, every single sol driver I've seen in my area (DC metro area) is a male. But I chose the del sol for a variety of reasons ... my gender had nothing to do with it. I wouldn't even begin to worry about bs like that... your friend is too image conscious.

Lastly, I might eventually go hybrid... I've read lots and lots of good stuff about it. Del Sols are light to begin with - with a B16 or B17 or B18, they can be quite quick - surprisingly so.