I love being furry, and I love the furry fandom in general. Lots of awesome people there.. and I know only so few of them yet.
Regarding the depth of connection between real and fursona that the OP mentioned.. I wouldn't put myself in the 'otherkin' range, but it's definitely more than a pure hobby character, it's a part of my identity.
I tend to meow or purr at my coworkers and friends, I don't care what people think when I'm suiting in everyday life (e.g. outside of any fur-related events - I've gone on motorbike tours in partsuit. People laughed at/with me. I had fun. That counts.) and when I slip into my suit, it's not like I'm putting on an animal costume, it feels like I'm shedding my human costume. So yeah, one might say I'm in pretty deep.. =^.^=
On Ricky's test... as the center guy isn't really my speed, I'd rather snuggle the stuffing out of the other two

(exchange the center guy for someone less muscular/macho, and I'd call dibs on a foursome *g*)