I think like most of us when we start hunting we generally spend more for a good scope before we finally "catch up" with our binos. That was my case, I had a decent scope but cheap binos. I had seen some elk far away and coming toward me. I suspected one was a spike but couldn't be sure with my crappy binos. Since my scope was of better quality I tried to do the final ID through the scope but just didn't have good enough glass to be able to be sure so I had to let him go.

You're right, if I'd had better binos or a good spotting scope (my next purchase when I can afford a good one - another topic I'm sure!) I could have ID'd him and then used my scope and rifle to shoot it.

I can think of times when you should have a good scope. If an animal flushes and runs away you might not have time to use your binos or spotting scope to ID it. Here in WA it's spike-only for elk and 3pt or better for deer. Much of the country is very open and far shots are common. Therefor there could be a time when your scope is all you have to decide if that escaping bull that just paused 250 yards away and is about to go up and over that saddle and into the next valley is a spike or a 2 point. If you had quality optics on your rifle you could harvest that bull. Without them you'd miss an opportunity.

Different for different people and circumstances I guess. My scenario isn't like many hunters in other regions of the world but I know a lot of the western hunters will understand what I'm saying.