Yes, it can be seen as nit-picky, but I don't think the person is pretending the connotation doesn't exist. Maybe they're just trying to start the long process of de-teething that connotation so that in maybe 50 years saying someone is gay might actually mean, once again, that they are extremely happy.

It's a next to impossible task, like the people who would like to reclaim the swastika back to its original peaceful meaning, but it's great to try.