so for people who likes chess: What level/rating is a good target for playing chess as a hobby, without trading away your life as would be needed for GM or other high statuses?
Your question has no answer. Different people have different aptitudes and desires and time to devote. There's no rating above which everyone should feel proud and below which everyone should feel ashamed. People should play chess for fun and if they want to set targets, it's likely most fun to set them on a personalized basis, a bit above wherever they are now. Hobbies are supposed to be fun. Each person should do what they judge is fun. :)
