I agree whole heartedly on the lowering of everyday quality. But the more I look though, the more I realize I can make a lot better stuff then I can afford to buy. I can put a handle on a $10 mora blade and boost the quality from a $10 knife to a $100 knife, mostly cosmetic but still a much nicer blade to carry. I also have a leather field bag which is roughly equivalent to a Filson field bag. I can't afford to carry a $200 dollar satchel, but I can spend a week making something as nice or nicer. If I have to buy something I try to buy something good I can afford, but if I can make something I'd much rather do that.