I like Power Metal, but I also listen to some Death/Black Metal stuff. As far as stereotypes go, here's the deal. Number One, People say Power Metal vocals suck. Well, I don't think so, since I am comfortable with ANY kind of vocals, clean, high, growling, screeching, etc. To a Black Metal fan, Screeching vocals are the way to go,(although some BM bands use clean vocals too) but a Power Metal fan thinks its just noise, which isn't true. They are both good and suit their respective genres.
Number Two, the myth that Power Metal is Dungeons and Dragons stuff. No, although bands like Rhapsody use those themes, you have bands like Iced Earth, Gamma Ray, Edguy, Sonata Arctica, Grave Digger who don't use it. Neither do Prog Power bands like Symphony X, Angra, Kamelot, Evergrey. Its like generalizing that Black metal and Death Metal are all about Satan and Corpses, which isn't true either. Face it, every genre has a stereotype and only those who listen to everything know it.
Besides, even if the bands do sing about warriors and dragons, what's the matter? Its just lyrics. If I listen to Burzum, that doesn't mean I agree with Varg's philosophies, similarly, I find Rhapsody a very good Neoclassical/Power Metal band, yet I don't fantasize putting on warrior makeup and slaying dragons.
Number Three, All Power Metal bands sound the same. Nope, there is Thrashy Power Metal, Speed/Power Metal, Heavy/Traditional Power metal, Symphonic Power Metal, Progressive Power Metal, and some maverick bands like Nevermore and Children of Bodom use Power Metal elements as well. Power Metal, just like any other genre of Metal, has several subgenres.
Number Four, Dragonforce is NOT the typical Power Metal band. They are generic and shitty, and give Power Metal a bad name. Finis.
I am a fan of Metal in general, although PM is my favorite genre. So yeah.