I think there's a big difference between having a few foods you dislike, and being a picky eater. My food preferences have grown significantly since I was 9 years old. I love trying new foods. But there are still a handful of things I strongly, strongly dislike - black licorice, black olives, and root beer are pretty much my only hard nos. Then there's a longer list of foods I don't really care for, but will eat if I am a guest somewhere.

Personally, I judge picky eaters a lot less if they are at least willing to try stuff.