Just an observation, AJN, but a lot of people feel ‘validated’ by their possessions. They surround themselves with things that tell the world who and what they are. Most of us judge others by external appearances and possessions. We don’t have the time to do an in depth analysis. There may be many logical reasons for brand preference, one of which is badge snobbery, other like a brand perhaps because of engineering, or performance or loyalty. If you are at heart a brand snob, then what better way to reinforce your belief that you are a ‘superior’ person than by an ‘objective’ look at everything else and then concluding, ‘reluctantly’ that you will get what you wanted all along, that badge that you believe says something about you, your taste and status in life. There aren’t many in the motability crowd since function has to trump form every time.
Despite being tempted I have never succumbed, to badge snobbery, in its way for the opposite, but same reason. I don’t want to be thought of as the kind of person who measures himself by trappings, or someone who could bore you to death discussing the finer points of V8s. In truth I could plead guilty to both of the above, since despite trying to dress down in appearance, I always tip and tip too much. I eat and drink without regard to cost. That’s my need to be recognized as someone who enjoys the finer things of life. When I talk about food I know what I am talking about. That’s my weakness, for others its cars. At least I am open and honest about being a food and drink snob. If only every badge ‘fanboy’ could be the same.
Ultimately who cares, since if we were paying with out government funding no one could care less.