I never thought I was a "hard" top (because, I like, negotiate....and then stick to what's negotiated) till I heard myself being described that way the third or fourth time. The depths of my masochism have frightened (playfully, of course) some of my more timid play partners.
What I find very interesting about the scene I'm in, is that there are a lot of people claiming to be really heavy masochists (who maybe are, or maybe aren't, depending on individual definitions of "heavy") but there's a lot more....hesitation?... at saying you're a bit of a heavy sadist. Anyways, as such, because I'm open about my sadism, I get a lot of people coming to me with specific requests for types of intense play, but they always say something like "I've been working up the courage to ask you..."
And truly, the really funny thing? I feel like such a BDSM baby compared to some tops and bottoms I've watched play. And I'm sure I'm peanuts compared to some people who will answer this poll.
So what the hell is my point? It's all really a matter of perspective!