I think bird watchers are so knowledgeable about optics because that's pretty much their only piece of equipment besides maybe a camera and tripod. You can't be that specialized if you have to be knowledgeable about guns, bows, boots, packs, treestands/blinds, calls, etc.
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"If you are going to buy a pair of binoculars that is made in the same factory with the same glass and a comparable warranty, do you want to pay double the price for the name that's on the box?"
No, but, you say "comparable warranty" -- can an upstart really have a comparable warranty to an established company with the resources to stand behind their product and the likelihood that they'll be around to back it up? Probably not worth double, but it's worth something.