INGO, and the gun hobby is a very wide spectrum. People are in different points in life, and interests change, .... I've moved on.
It's almost 4am, and I just got home from coyote hunting. Some people can't understand why I have a suppressed AR with a thermal scope on it. My only answer is, my interests have changed.
People buy what they like, or what they need/want to pursue hobbies. Why do people get so worked up over what other people do? (Not directed at the OP)
I can remember when I was a kid we had a neighbor that would get home from work and take a bubble-bath (so he said) while his wife mowed the yard. I mentioned to my mother how strange it was for the man to take baths while his wife did the yard work. She told me that they are allowed to live life by their own rules, not other's rules, and that I would do well to learn from them and to mind my own business.
It doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.
How some view their guns:
Different strokes, can't see why anyone would complain about someone else's choices unless they are doing something unsafe.
..I prefer to keep things simple and enjoy what I own...and have fun with family and friends!
To each their own...
I like to collect stuff. Some I can shoot, wear. Other stuff it has to just be looked at but it gives me great satisfaction to own it and enjoy it.
I am mostly concerned with shooting the guns I'm going to use to defend myself. Others I just enjoy owning. When something no longer gives me satisfaction, I sell or give it away. I'll buy something new.
I'm not broke, my kids are fed, clothed, well educated and regularly get new toys ect, and we regularly go out and do things together. My collecting is budgeted and I do not ever get into life expenses for a hobby. I earned the money I have and I'll spend it the way I want.
Someone has been watching Paul Harrell