Dude if you rode an xx set up the difference is like night and day to x4. Less so with the shimano stuff, but there is a difference with xtr and SLX. Shimano do seem to trickle down tech quicker than SRAM.
I’m lucky enough to have some “top end” kit mainly as this is my hobby and if all the bills are payed and the kids are happy then why not save a bit up for something I’d like over the course of a year or years I Don’t give an Arse what any one thinks! As for me the kit and tech is part of it.
On the same note I have it handed to me on cheaper bikes than mine and more expensive bikes this sitting on the fence of riding crapness/ handing it to people allows me the moral high ground in the forum discussion.
Wookster confirmed non Audi driving nob since 2001. 😆