Interesting thoughts.
I think we all spend more than we should on whatever it is that flips our switches.
For so many it's the most obvious things that will shout the loudest about the size of their wallets, the wife's live best with those very well. From big houses and cars to loud gold jewelry, watches, and diamonds, the need to impress others is most important.
I've had a couple dollar devils in my life, mainly motorcycles and Hi Fi. I'm an adrenaline junkie and the need for speed always loomed large. I never could afford the really fast cars, so very fast bikes were always a lot cheaper.
I wouldn't want to guess on my lifetime investment in HiFi gear but it's always been
way more money than my income could justify. Believe me, I heard about that plenty from the house mice that have come and gone over the decades. LOL