Indeed - any and all manifestations of masculinity (that aren't harming others) are valid and acceptable. The problem only arises if people (sometimes women do it too) are policing boys and men into narrow, conformist boxes of what is OK for them as males. I completely agree that the Man Box fosters weakness and insecurity and 96% of current research from a wide variety of organizations and scientists agree that it's very harmful to men - and to everyone else.

I think you're correct that we have to reach boys before the Tates of the world get ahold of them so they can understand how silly and pointless that sort of masculinity is.