Pretty sad life you must live.Yep - all cringeworthy. Most of the people using nicknames think they are part of the team and mates with the players because they watch them on tv. They are the same people who join the cheer squad. Just so embarrassing for them.
I have met many players and played golf with plenty of current and ex players, as well as other sporting personalities during sponsor days and all would rather be called by their nickname.
If I was to call Dipper "Robert", he would think he had done something wrong.