There's lots of different ways to look at any situation when it comes to gear.
Things would go a lot smoother if those looking for affordable solutions would not be so quick to dismiss out of hand the comments from those that have actual experience in real life situations, while conversely, those that have been involved at a more professional level would not be so (frankly) condescending when providing their opinions.
Perhaps it's just the teacher in me, but my experience is that when we're on the learning end of the curve we should do the best we can to heed the words of those with a little ( or lot ) more experience than us, but at the same time those of us with the greater level of experience should not be so dismissive of others and should approach things from a mentor standpoint, which requires a lot of patience at times (something I have to exercise on a daily basis).