I maintain that 'nerd' is a label that's becoming less relevant. Being smart is becoming more important in society, and the people doing the creative work are more increasingly 'nerdy' (although I prefer "geek" as a term, personally) in film, certainly. As such, I suppose we're both right!
The reason you prefer "geek" to "nerd" is that "geek"
has been moving increasingly into the mainstream, whereas "nerd" still holds heavy negative connotations. People like us will admit more or less proudly to being geeks, but usually take some exception if called nerds, except with acceptable irony or in self-deprecation.
It probably differs from region to region, but I think the difference can be summed up by saying "geeks are high-functioning nerds." The difference is almost one of caricature (e.g., Comic Book Guy from "The Simpsons"), but nerds
do exist in reality. They just rarely make it into the public spotlight. (Bill Gates is one huge exception. And yes, I've met him. Believe me, he's a nerd. Surprisingly nice guy, and surprisingly good low-limit hold'em player, but definitely a nerd.)
I agree with you that
geek is highly bankable, but I agree with the other poster that
nerd is not.
BTW, I enjoyed Wil's blog entry, but I came away with the impression that Wil would have raved just as strongly if he'd played 3.5 or the mythical 4E that might have been.