More than half the people here don't compete.
I definately get smashed on the weekends and I'm positive that it's hurt me, but I'm not going to quit enjoying my life. Part of this is the social circle I'm in is all college kids, looking to party it up on the weekends.
Freshmen year in college I would drink 3-4 times a week and didn't even lift. How much better off an I now? A shitload.
One thing to think about - in an article I read - beer encourages fat distribution around the gut area while hard alcohol encourages fat distribution around the internal organs (which is worse for your health, but better for your appearance)
I mix it up, beer on friday, hard liquor on saturday, or vice versa. I would like to eventually cut the beer out except for 1 time a month or so and see what happens.
this is all my opinion of course.