What does HN think about definitions of 'hackers' that say the term can be applied to anyone who circumvents a specific system (be it online, physical or even conceptual like politics)?
If such a definition is accepted, what are some examples of hackers 'outside' technology, or at least outside computing (ex: Wright Brothers)?
Someone that builds a kick-ass revolutionary web application using Node.js is _not_ a hacker. He made a web site using a web site making tool. No rule bending anywhere.
Someone that builds a refrigerator for rural areas that works without electricity (as mentioned in another comment) is _not_ a hacker. He is an inventor. A genius. An engineer. Whatever, but _not_ a hacker.
Someone that takes a rotary telephone and manages to make it open keypad doors remotely (or whatever) is a hacker. A phone is not _designed_ to do that.
So answering your question, yes, for me, whoever bends the rules of machinery (even social or bureaucratic machinery) could be called a hacker.
But most definitely, 99% of people mentioned in this site should _not_ be called hackers.