This is an interesting topic. Does it really matter whether it is kink or lifestyle? What does lifestyle mean anyway? Does that mean you go to events and munches and know the community in your area? Does it mean that you are in your role 24/7? I understand that it doesn't always involve sex, but that seems to be a huge portion of the information you find when looking for bdsm. So why wouldn't someone who enjoys those activities be considered a part of the community? Or maybe I'm misconstruing and they really are a large part of the community, along with the lifestylers, but you are just making a distinction between the two.
Anyway, I hope I made some sense. I'm just curious what defines someone for whom this is truly a lifestyle and not just into the kinky sex for it's own sake.