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Oh I would much rather drive an old car, and have that setup, than a new car and a pair of binoculars.
I agree it is all about priorities. The amount of gear I have is probably just as extravagant compared to my salary, but my reasoning is the same. I don't drive new cars, I service mine myself and I don't really drink, or go out and my dozen items of clothing all have to last for years. I don't own a TV.
This allows me to pursue a hobby that sharpens my mind and instills curiosity and exploration in myself and my kids. It is money well spent.
I do enjoy living vicarously through these threads and seeing what is possible with more esoteric gear. I am planning on hitting some of the same targets as you so I have reference images to work with, and it is always interesting to see the difference between low-end and high end gear.
I remind myself sometimes that I am getting better planetary images than the best observatories were 30 years ago, and I don't even know what I'm doing!
We live in lucky times for astronomy as a hobby.
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