I usually buy decent gear, but not ridiculously expensive gear. So I'm not so worried about using it. There's a point of diminishing returns in my view. For example, I usually carry a Spyderco knife (a Native, or a Byrd Meadowlark or Robin which are great knives for the price). We're talking $20-$50 knives here. I don't carry a $400 Sebenza. I really doubt the Sebenza would do any more for me (functionally) than the Spydercos. Collecting is one thing - day to day use is another. I've got tons of moderately priced LED lights. None has ever failed me except the ARC-AAA (a light which many people used to idolize, and is relatively expensive for what it is). No multi-hundred dollar flashlights here.

Some things you have to pay handsomely to get good quality. Do it. Other things have good quality at decent prices. Then there are the things that add 1% on top of your decent gear (if that), but cost 10x as much. This latter group is simply not worth it to me, unless you want to collect it or idolize it.