RE: C2E2 provides a place for creative people to shine.
I'm not a cosplayer, but I want to write something for the people who criticize them, because they are "weirdos".
I will give you some reasons why you should admire them:
They are not bothering anyone. As strange as it may seem, everyone is using a costume (your clothes), just different and according to their personal tastes. Maybe you decided to follow the trending, and it's ok, but some people want to be more original and that's ok too. It doesn't affect anyone.
They spend a lot of time making those customes I know in many cases they would just buy the custome, but most of the time they make it as it's cheaper and more original. They can literally spend months making a custome to look like their favorite characters, this means they are artists.
They are good people. Most of the times, otakus and cosplayers are quiet people who watch anime, and work a lot to save money for more costumes. Most otaku I've met are great and smart people. And instead of spending their money on drugs or alcohol, they dress up like their favorite character :)
I agree. People are too quick to judge. They are having fun and not hurting anyone. Plus they are talented and creative. I love watching people do their own thing.