We most assuredly did not run around in the woods, shooting it at people.
I have a hard time finding willing people to shoot with my airsoft guns, since they do have some sting to them.

Yesterday, as the rain poured down, I stood under an overhang by my front door and practiced drawing and firing from concealment with my airsoft p345. I have a pellet trap on the other side of my lawn, which collects the plastic pellets. I can't think of a better AND safer way to practice when I can't make it to the range (my carry gun is a p345).
All safety rules were obeyed (except no ear protection), no one got hurt, and I didn't pick up any bad habits since my airsoft shoots to approximately the same POA as the real deal at that distance.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is you don't have to be irresponsible or shoot people with them to enjoy them.
I don't like blurred lines between casual fun and games and something involving such stark, serious reality as firearms. I also don't like making a game like that out of combat; I also dislike the so-called "first person shooter" computer games for the same reason.
I see and respect where you're coming from, but I have a different point of view. I think valuable skills can be learned from combative games. The important thing is to know and understand the difference between real and play so the lines don't get blurred. You can learn from mistakes that become apparent when a plastic BB hits the side of your head. Not so much when it's a bullet.