There are a lot of "RPGs" that I don't consider RPG titles. Zelda, Ys, Castlevania(new,) Dirge of Cerberus, Faxanadu, Brave Fencer Musashi, Dragon Valor, Fallout, Morrowind, etc. Games like that I don't consider RPG titles. Sure you can change equipment and/or get levels up, but they're more "action adventure" than anything.

An RPG to me is really defined by the battle system. Like Arkhan said. Menu driven. Star Ocean, Tales of, and Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 are the only games I'd consider action RPG titles.

People can list as many genres as they want with RPG tacked on, but this doesn't change the fact that the RPG aspect is the most minor aspect in the game.