i was having a related topic discussion with a coleague the other day....
i pointed out that when someone is not a participant in any hobby, that the money and time people spend on the hobby (esp the money) is baffling to them. think about it, if you are into videogames, for exxample...the 600 for a ps3 and 60-70 bucks a new game are probably a much fairer price to you than to the guy who doen't play. it may be a lil pricy to you if you are on a tight budget, but the cost vs. the benefit are certainly understandable. to the non participant tho, ANY amount of money spent is usually considered ridiculous and a waste.
the same is true if you are into fishing. to you, the money spent on a quality rod and reel are worth it. to someone who doesn't fish, they can't understand why someone would fork out more money on a fishing rod than absolutely necessary. those folks would buy the zebco 15 dollar special at k-mart and consider that a great expense vs. the benefit.
to a car enthusiast, the dollars blown at the barrett jackson auctions are justified. to someone who sees cars as "a to b" transportation, the amounts are absurd.
to a girl into the newest styles, the prices are right in line. to her boyfriend or husband, they are insane.