I think that someone who lives in elk country takes a more relaxed approach to the subject of elk rifles because that person sees elk frequently throughout the year and has the attitude during hunting season that if he doesn't get an ideal shot today there is always tomorrow.
The guy who gets to spend maybe a couple of weeks a year in elk country and spends a good bit of money on the trip wants to make the most of whatever opportunity he gets so he opts for a rifle with serious power.
Nothing wrong with either school of thought, just a different perspective on the situation.
Myself, I think the 7mm magnums are as close to perfect for elk as a person can get but I also know a couple people who get their elk every year with 243s. I also know a guy who got his elk, and very effectively, with a .222 for many years. But then that guy probably could have done it with just about anything. That's the difference.