Just a few thoughts for you, IMHO:

What "not hacking" usually means to them is...

I understand this sentiment (been there) but I'd suggest you try to see things from the other side (been there too). Often the differences come down to one of perception and expectation. Often those in the decision making capacity want reliability, efficiency and maintainability (and yes, the sun and the moon too). So, perhaps presenting your approach in different terms would get you both what you want.

I'm tired of saying "I've got a cool hack that allows XXX" and getting dirty looks for it.

Again, this reminds me off all the years I pissed into the wind... until one day I wised up. Just choose your words more carefully and you may get to do it the way you want more often than not. Be cleaver with you words as well as your code (I don't mean be a BSer). Also, I am not trying to be preachy, this was just a lesson I learned more or less the hard way.