I'd hazard a guess that the reason so many of the folks in robotics use themselves as a model, is because, well, permit me to illustrate...
It's 4:23 in the morning, and Bob is pulling an all nighter, and suddenly gets inspired to see how his new robot will function with skin. So he decides he wants to cast a head covering for his new robot. Only, who is available for him to cast at this hour? He'd like to do a casting of his girlfriend's face, but seeing as how she doesn't exist, she's not going to be of much use to him. He might consider calling one of his friends, but if he starts calling 'em at 4:23 in the am, they probably won't remain friends for long. Thankfully, that guy in the mirror is probably available.
Get the picture?
I'd imagine that a lot of these guys work odd hours, and lead somewhat solitary lives. They themselves are often the only people available when needed for things like face castings, for taking biometric measurements of, to record voice tracks, and the like.
I don't think it's so much a matter as narcissism as it it simple availability.
