I saw a couple last year fishing "my" river, looked like they drove straight from the Eddie Bauer store downtown. Each of them was wearing and waving a few grand in gear, and completely oblivious to the fish. Looked like they were having fun regardless. I fish the same water with ratty sneakers, waving a hand-me-down rod, and I doubt I have any less fun. And, given a better budget I expect I'd be looking at handmade bamboo not the latest hi-tech Sage rod.
I wonder how much money Burton makes from their boards, compared to how much they make from clothes? When I see their boards lined up at the store, they all look the same except for the topsheet -- which is really how their target market shops for boards. I'm so far removed from their target market, it's no wonder I'd rather hang out with tele riders than Burton riders.
-jon-