Few thoughts as this has come up in another online fly forum I frequent.
1. If you can afford it and it brings you happiness, who cares? They aren't a need or requirement, but can enhance the satisfaction of the sport for sure. I personally won't spend hundred on a custom painted reel, and I've seen many that do and I'm happy for them.
2. A good chunk of the higher priced rods (sub $1k) of yesteryear would be at or above $1k today if you account for inflation and increased business expense. Something to keep in mind
3. A good friend once said to me regarding hunting, "a top end gun will not make someone a better shooter, but it will take a great shooter and help them be better". In my experience, that advice is generally true. I've taken a lot of game with a cheap mossberg 12ga, though my benelli makes it a lot easier and more enjoyable.
4. On folks who can't cast 30' and are wearing a $2k+ outfit on the stream, I'll add in a number of hobbies of mine in the past I've started out with lower end gear. After a while find out I'm committed to the sport/hobby, and then end up spending tons more when I upgrade. I don't begrudge the fly fisher who is learning on expensive gear, chances are they'll grow into it and if it brings them more joy to stay in our wonderful sport then I'm all the more for it.
I've fished cheap rods and expensive rods, and for me the feel of a higher end rod is fantastic. I like the finishes more as well, and for me that has value. Some people could fish a duck taped rod and aestetic wise wouldn't care, and that doesn't bother me a bit for them. I'm sure there's someone out there who can out fish me with a Walmart setup, and I tip my hat to them.
I have an Orvis Recon, Marryat Tactical Nymph Pro, and an Asquith plus a couple TFO's for salmon. I love my rods, and when the next gen of Helios come out I'll probably snag a H3D on closeout. I also fish more than just PA waters, where my Recon alone can handle pretty much anything in PA. Reels I'm much cheaper on, because I am one of those that feel it's only there to hold line (I don't salt water fish...yet).