I think there is more nuance in the reasons. If air gunners were so frugal then companies like FX and Daystate would not be able to sell their rifles at such high prices. It has to do with marketing and something called the “tipping point” or perhaps today’s equivalent known as “going viral”. If you convince enough people that your product is what they need to feel validated then they will buy it. Just look at bicycles that cost $3-7k, ski equipment that will set you back over $2k, watches that sell for $7-10k! none of these products does it’s job 10x better than cheaper alternatives, yet people will pay the premium just because they believe it and their choices are validated by their friends and “influencers”. Another perfect example are Air Jordan sneakers…
We may enjoy this sport a lot, but a large portion of it exists through marketing and us lemmings following their leaders over the cliff. No shame in enjoying it but worth being aware of what drives our decisions. Now all we need is a celeb to tell us that an FWB300 is absolutely necessary to have…
-Marty