I have to admit, i'm not on either side here.
I like to use both modes. For some serious driving sticking to the rules of the road, it has to be normal mode. Hardcore mode is a chore when doing that because you always go too fast and then can't break for the traffic lights or spin out suddenly.
But then when I want to have some fun, doing insane jumps and generally just mucking about, I will switch to hardcore mode because it's a lot more fun if you are not being serious about driving etc.. especially if you are with someone who also has hardcore mode on, for example Danger Sponge. ;)
So, at the end of the day it depends. It depends if you want to drive like a Maniac with no care for other road users or you want to settle down and drive like an old man. :D :cheeky: