Are you as stunned as I am?

Admiral Tedolph is just playing the devil's advocate.  Probably a bit of a devil himself actually...

I plead guilty to such behavior (back in film days having to have nothing but Nikon gear) but have seen the light and settled for the lowly but competent E-PL1 too.  PTL! (Praise the Light).  It's as others have said--affluence co-mingled with conspicuous consumption.  The toys of the rich.  Maybe we'd all feel better if we donate $XXX dollars to charity then enjoy our photo toys.  Or volunteer at a soup kitchen once a month.  Whatever floats one's boat.