Oh, ok, I think I missed the point of the thread,lol.
As for equipment, I like good stuff but for certain baits like soft plastics, I would never pay full retail for stuff like GYCB's. The big argument is that they work better because they are softer but even if this was 100%, indisputably the case, (in my experience,..it's not).....does it cost that much more to make a softer bait??? I think it actually costs less (less hardener is added to the recipe)
I'll give it to Gary that he developed a great shape but, IMO, you're paying for hype. So for stuff like that, I'll go the less expensive, just as productive route.
(This is not a GYCB rant, this is just the most obvious example I can think of right now)
I think the biggest factor that can make a dramatic difference in your fishing would be the choice of action specific rods. I think that comes more with balancing your arsenal and doing the research before buying, moreso than the overall price though.