I have similar sentiments. I'm not convinced mania and depression are polar opposites of the same concept, as I frequently have them together.

... and since Bipolar Disorder seems to be seen by many as the "flavour of the month" at the moment, I'm in no hurry to blurt out that I either have it or am it. I don't know a lot of people who talk proudly in the media, claiming they are manic depressive. It seems to me to be a better vehicle for opening discussion with anyone who genuinely wants to know what is going on. If they really don't care, so what! Move on, and they probably won't label me as a self pitying sympathy seeker then either. LOL

I'm aware there is an argument for many bipolar II folks who don't feel full blown mania is very descriptive of their situation, and therefore would feel bipolar is a better description than manic depression for them.

I think of "manic depressive" as the way I am, rather than a disease I have. Not that it makes much practical difference - I have to manage it systemically anyway and learn adaptive behaviour, thinking and lifestyle, which seems to go well beyond what comes to my mind when categorising it as an illness.
On the counter side, there are family and friends who know me well, and consider it an illness - the best explanation for them. At least if they know I am being treated, they feel I am taking their frustration and pain seriously.