Dictionary states that "-phile" definition is fondness for something, from the Greek, loving. Do you need to know how something works to have a fondness for something or love it? No. Do you get more out of it when you do? Possibly. I work on a lot of gear to repair and improve it and have a different appreciation than people I know who can't work on it, but I'd venture the majority can't work on gear yet love audio and music.
I know a lot of race car drivers who can't work on the cars. Are they still racers, and do they love racing and racecars? Yes. Those who understand all of the mechanics and physics of the cars just appreciate them and racing differently.