Diving does kill the sport, I can't believe your claiming to love football and then talking about how diving is the smart option. I've played since I was 7 and I'm now 21, not once in my whole career have I ever decided that diving was the best option. Not only do you lose respect from those you're playing with and again, you look like a total pussy because you can't handle a bit of pressure. If you stay in your feet there's more options you have with the ball, rather than being subject to a possible free-kick or even getting caught out diving and receiving a red car.
My respect of your opinion has decreased so much.
There are a few players better than Ronaldo and Messi, for a fact they have more to their game than just attacking play. It's pretty well known Ronaldo couldn't tackle his way out of a wet paper bag. He's not on the level of a player like Kaka, Fabregas or Ronaldinho.