An expression like that avoids the absurdity of an absolute proclamation.
I am an honest man!
-or-
I try to lead an honest life.
Which are you more likely to believe of me?
The second, absolutely. But the issue isn't self proclamation. It's perception of the other.
"decimon is an honest FReeper."
"decimon wants to be an honest FReeper."
Somebody tells me the first, I accept you, decimon, at least provisionally on the basis of my knowledge of the declarant. But if somebody, even somebody 100% implicitly trusted, tells me the second I will ask, "decimon wants to be"?
Now I am perfectly happy to remember "decimon wants to be an honest FReeper" if that's how you want to be remembered. But don't ever try to sell me nuthin' under that regime... ;-)
Maybe if you've never met one of those who "want to be but can't quite make it," you don't understand. I have. I have met one of those once -- personally creeped me out and yet he seemed to be trying. (I really don't think he was bright enough to fake it.) Zero impulse control was his downfall, and if he is never released from prison it could be a very good thing.