While I hate HSM too (for obvious reasons I stated before), there is just too much realism of said high school that makes me wanna stay away from it. Sure, I guess I'd like it if I got the chance or something... but the whole aspect of the realism of high school... I mean, even the TEACHERS hate them. People treating the protagonists like crap... I watch TV to escape.
I have the same problem with Ugly Betty, It's like she's in a world that doesn't want her... It's just too depressing for my tastes. I'd rather have something where the character who is forced to be an outcast can rise up and become a hero in a half hour time frame... not the run of a series. You know, a good ol' fashioned fantasy type deal. I say, life's depressing enough not to have to watch something that depresses you.
Now, if it were a lot more like Revenge of the Nerds or something, and the bullies, jocks, and nasty teachers get their comeuppance in a non-violent, comedic way, I'm all for it.