Telescope Reviews: True cost of astronomy?

It seems that some can be influenced quite easily into thinking that you must have top dollar merchandise or you cannot run with the Joneses . It really is unfortunate the percentage of human beings that can't rationally think for themselves and feel the need to keep up with the so called Joneses is as high as it is . When still residing in So. Cal. , an observing buddy of mine after visiting our local vendors showroom came away reporting to me that Plossls were no more than beginner eyepieces . Being obviously convinced by a salesperson that works on commission no ? Here that you must spend more to gain a half way decent image of Planetary , Lunar or DSOs entering ones eyeball .
Cheese and Rice !
I've looked through enough so called premium oculars to know that this is just not the case . Of course if one feels the need of having to have more than a 52 degree AFOV or you are effectively trying to view through a drinking straw , then by all means , empty every pocket . But the last time I checked , Plossls are still a most highly chosen ocular design for showing fine detail in Planetary viewing . I have personally compared back to back on numerous occasions repeatedly the Plossl and a premium ocular and found that no more can be seen other than a wider FOV from the latter . Only a quality Orthoscopic would be regarded as superior to a Plossl for fine Planetary detail and the FOV is typically narrower .
Another influence is that one must invest in 2" oculars . With a short focal length scope , quite a wide FOV can be had with 1.25" oculars . In my SN8 , I can grab all of M31 with its companions that an 8" can pull in light with a 32mm Plossl . I like the view with the 26mm better even though the galaxy spills over the FOV just a bit . But with a good wide field scope , much can be saved by not having the need for 2" oculars .
Both of my main scopes are also modest units that I wouldn't call something that breaks the bank , but yet I've more than likely had views with this modest equipment that the masses will probably never see . The viewing location , darkness of the sky and pristine seeing conditions will do more for what can be seen with modest equipment than the most expensive stuff out there with lousy sky conditions can .
So , I'm not made of money like the Gieco biker dude and I refuse to put myself in the poorhouse to try to keep up with the Joneses or attempt to impress others .
The "look at me" syndrome has pathetically run rampant in this society today . What a pathetic trait , having to show off to others no matter what the cost .
People that drive vehicles that are worth more than the structure that they reside in just so they can look cool in the eyes of others of so they might think . A sixty thousand dollar auto and not even a garage to keep it in . I just gotta shake my head in disgust and think ,"what an idiot !" . But it doesn't even stop there ! With the advent of the on board thunder box that these morons ride around with in their trunk , if they can't be seen , well by kracky ! , your gonna hear me ! What utter stupidity ! Look at me ! Look at me ! Look at me ! ... And if you can't , then hear me now ! They're so stupid that they don't even know that they make a target out of themselves . No stealth here ! It just gives you time to go get the rocket launcher .
Life's a stage I guess . This ain't a movie for cryin out loud , it's real life , but I guess the weak minded will just continue to remain easily influenced into thinking they have to have more than what they need or they don't amount to much . Of course everybody wants to be the star of the show . No cameo spot for me !