I hear what you're saying. Its a question of value I think. If you buy anything on either end of the spectrum you end up with reliability issues on one end and jewlery on the other end. I wouldn't deny that the real expensive stuff is better than middle or higher than middle cost equipment. The question is whether it represents a reasonable value or not. Reasonable of course is relative to what you can or are willing to afford. I sure wouldn't mind having the high end stuff if I got it for a steal. Great glass is much easier to look through, and you sure see it with binoculars when you spend the time.

I agree with Trailer, nobody should feel embarassed about the equipment they use whatever it is. You use what you can afford or want to afford. I buy what I'm willing to afford, and I'm pretty happy with middle of the road equipment.