@else, I think you're on the right track. I think "collector" has at times been deemed holier than thou. To get good tattoos from lots of different people, and therefore think we are better than the people who just walk in off the street or are content with their local artist.
Semantically, that is a collector.
Obviously, that's all a farce and untrue if we delve into the motivation behind it.
While, sure, I believe those people exist who get up on their tat-soap-box, I think the majority (like y'all rad kids here on LST) just like getting good tattoos and enjoy meeting new people.
I am not comfortable with the title either. Even though, it's true, I collect on a certain level. I ain't better than nobody else.