[Sethomas]

I don't see how homosexuality is an ideal

Think of proponents of gay rights who are not themselves homosexual, et cetera.

Take the average pro-choice person. They believe women have a right to chose. Most pro-choicers are annoyed that pro-lifers don't believe the same thing.

Flawed comparison. Pro-lifers, of which I am one, object to the very act of comitting abortion. Furthermore, they are therefore opposed to political opinions that approve of abortion, because they condone a despised act. The pro-choicer's resentment for the stance of the pro-lifer has no basis in any actual action, so is pointless.

The historical definition of a conservative has been just as subjective and situational.

Issue for issue, absolutely. But the general essence of a conservative is that things are best in a pre-existing state, whereas the liberal generally sees room for improvement in all places. Conservativism morphs into whatever society evolves to, whereas liberalism is more sporadic and multi-faceted. The right has much less diversity of opinion than does the left.