".... so what rationale is there for looking beyond when I don't even make a living with this stuff?! Even I can answer that - Nada."
No rationale Jack: we are just old guys who are stuck to their toys! Well, there is also the competitive element but you did say it well in your post: as an amateurs we spend money for the new toys! Pros are getting that small or whatever advantage they are looking for to beat the concurrence and get a profit! It's more complicated off course but I'm sure you know what I mean.
On other hand taking photos is the way for me to escape from the problems in my job - when you are doing research there are always problems - you are stepping in nowhere, and it's the goal in the research actually: nobody has done it before and you may contribute with something really new (and you get the new grant...)! We are doing very well so far, much better then others but it's a stress! Taking photos when I can is the way I relax. Unfortunately not every photo makes me "relax"
)) - I want GOOD photos, at least for my criteria! The new instruments are really helping (for those who can take the advantage of them!) more or less...
So far this "medicine" is working for me - to kill the stress or part of it... and to move further.things