Well not to put a downer on things but almost all websites violate accessibility (in terms of it’s requirements). Recommendations are all fair and good (even from WCAG) but it has it’s failings. It’s trying to deal with specific devices rather than dealing with the causes of disability and helping overcome the issues themselves. But unless you plan on studying Health and Social Care & Psychology at college like I did, it’s probably not as apparent and the WCAG declarations will have to-do. 
I agree that things are far from perfect. And I have no control over how every other site does things. But I feel a sense of responsibility to do the best I can for my own site, which is far from perfect too. As I learn more and make the time to make changes I do them. Last year I made everything comply up to the first level. Now I’m working towards the next. And trying to be more semantic too.
It’s probably harder to retrofit an older site than it is to make a new one correctly, but just the same, every bit helps.
Mitt, that’s pretty much the way I do it. And congrats on the spiffy new status!
Robert, as you’re noting, it’s not just checking off the little boxes, it’s a mindset that permeates your design. That’s not an easy thing to foster, but a necessary one.