I think your issue arises from the fact that people can use the same ruleset but play different games.
For example, it sounds like the game you want to play is more of a by-the-book, problem-solving tactical simulation. And the game played by the players you're complaining about is more of an escapist, wish-fulfillment player fantasy.
I could be wrong about those specifics, but point is that the structure of the rules don't set a certain play style in stone. I think both styles (and more) are possible from the single rule set. Neither is more "correct" than the other.
Take a look at the player types from Robin's Laws of Good Game Mastering:
http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/theory/models/robinslaws.html . They're all viable, and the trick of a fun game is figuring out a way to satisfy these sometimes different wants via the same content.
-z
PS: In other words, there's nothing inherently wrong with a player saying "That guy is cool. He does cool stuff. I want my character to be cool too, so I'd like to model him after that guy."