And yet we'll pay upwards of $4,000 for a camera and another $5,000 in lenses...when older generation cameras and lenses do just fine and can be purchased for 1/10 the price of new. Look at all the sheeple lining up to purchase the D850 when they already have very capable gear...just like the sheeple lining up for the latest iPhone even though they already have a phone.
No, some of us won't.
When I was actively running my photography business I bought whatever I needed and knew was going to extend my range and make my life both better and easier. I kept a couple of Hasselblads and always at least three Nikons and a battery of lenses for both systems. Back in the 60s/70s that cost a lot of money that makes the 5 grand (dollars) of today chicken feed. I always bought new for obvious business reasons.
Today, long retired, I use two digital Nikons - my old D200 as well as a D700. I have two af lenses and a few more that are manual.
As you mentioned later in your post, it makes no sense for me - today - to spend more when there is no return other than a few images for my website. Buying equipment was never something I did because I was a gearhead. I bought what I needed - and nothing more. I see no sound reason for changing my ways today.
Some believe that new, more costly cameras will make them new photographers. Instead, all the bigger 'n' better stuff will do for them is let them make exactly the same exciting/boring stuff they always made. It never is the camera that thinks. It's inert. If you have no vision, the best glasses in the world won't help you. That's the bitter pill many refuse to accept, constantly attempting to buy what isn't for sale.
Rob