Too much agonizing over little things

Oh no, that's about as far away from my point as you could possibly get...I definitely didn't recommend that people go out and shoot with nearly broken cameras.

I can see that as the main issue. But I think we actually agree (or at least don't disagree). Let me try to put my point differently...it takes a decent photographer to see the big picture, capture the right moments, and get good shots. It takes an excellent photographer to get those pictures, and get all the little technical details right at the same time. And like it or not, sometimes gear plays into that.

When I got my D600 and put my Sony a580 to backup use, I got far better results in challenging situations like low light sports shooting. I noticed, and other non-photographers noticed the difference too. I was getting more shots in perfect focus, release priority meant that I was missing far fewer moments, and the low noise/shallow DOF offered by full frame just gave images a lot more pop. On the other hand, it really didn't make a difference for most casual shots (people, still objects, landscapes), but the D600 was more enjoyable to use there

I also completely agree that equipment gets overvalued. Paying attention to how equipment is used and concentrating on the big picture makes far bigger difference than even major equipment upgrades. Actually, I find it rather entertaining to see some people bragging about how their shiny new camera has more magnesium alloy, or basically saying that their camera is more expensive and therefore must deliver better pictures somehow. Those people definitely aren't seeing the forest behind the trees. And sometimes I'm guilty of that too, thinking of what more expensive gear can get me.

By the way, have I mentioned how frustrating it is to not have release priority? The feeling you get while pushing down the shutter release, and then just watching the wonderful action/perfect moments go by, perfectly sharp through the finder but with the shutter not releasing because the camera's trying to confirm focus, and then seeing the shutter release happen a second later - after the action is done. Then, the follow-up feeling of wanting to chuck the camera across the room.....but you can't because you still need it to finish the job.