I agree with most of your statement. We have come to a different, shall we say, moral conclusion?
"True conservatism" is bandied about too much, you are correct. But if we view conservatism from the standpoint that it is a conglomeration of different philosophical views, we can make a determination on whether one is or is not conservative or a traitor to conservatives based on how they treat, espouse, and apply those views?
FYI
I am neither Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal. I am an Independent Christian Conservationist. In my opinion, neither Party or Philosophy represents my beliefs concerning how our Nation is governed. That gives me pause to try and define "true Conservative."
I see people who profess to be Social Conservatives, and people who profess to be Physical Conservatives, and some who profess to be both. However, most often, one group claims the others are not true Conservatives.
Some ideas I have concerning Government are:
Small, less intrusive Federal Government, but the Federal Government does have a role to play and Constitutional obligations to fulfill.
States Rights. The right for States to govern themselves on issues that are not specifically written in the Constitution as being the duty of the Federal Government.
Physical responsibility. Simply put.........no Government Agency at any level should operate in the red. Balanced Budget spending is the definition of Physical responsibility.
National Defense. This is the specific duty of the Federal Government, but each State has a role to play as well.
The Conservation of our Natural Resources. The Federal Government, as well as State, and Local Governments have a duty to be "good Stewards" of our Nation's natural resources.
Just four thoughts.......many more are involved.