>>1835307>people can have things that they like and don't need, in fact that's kind of what distinguishes being middle class from being poor is discretionary incomeThere is an implicit assumption here that more expensive -> better. But in the context we are discussing here we are more often than not dealing with conspicuous consumption. The quintessential fred is buying pic rel not because OSPWs provide any benefit, but because all the people around him can see he has money to blow. Whether he does so consciously, is another matter.
And since CC is one of the driving factors, equipment makers do whatever they can to make their stuff appear 'more-better-exclusive' than before. Which is why 12 speed 105 Di2 - which is, for all intents and purposes, easier to manufacture and cheaper to operate than a mechanical one is $2000+tip.
