They are different bands, its cool to think Mars Volta are better, but Sparta have their place within the post-hardcore scene, the splitting of At the Drive-In just showed that they had differing views of music, both ace I say!
Its nice to get postive feedback, but as you say there is now't you can do about people who just dont get what your trying to do, weve had a few negitives aswell, just be strong and keep going.