The Beauty of Old Reliable

There's something special and wildly appealing about the reliable shitbox, whether that be a car, tool, or machinery, the "ol reliable" that was purchased for pennies on the dollar and long over-stayed it's life expectancy while performing above expectations or continuing to meet expectations is something of a wonder, and I think the key to this joy and satisfaction comes from that exactly: expectations.

I think we've all had instances where we have spent a chunk of change on the recommend "best in class" (or close to it) only to never really push it to the limit or meet the requirement for the premium paid, only to have it perform the most basic and mundane of task and expectation, while at the same time knowing in the back of our head that it was purchased for a high price. Meanwhile, the tool or object that was a cheap and unconcerning acquisition or purchase that can perform the same task earns a soft-spot in our heart, as the cherished "beater" or "tried and true" object who even when it does perform poorly, is discounted for the fact that it didn't demand a premium.

I think sometimes there is better or more joy found in a cheaper "beater" tool or object than the pricier "creme a la creme" choice. If we're all honest, there isn't all too much that we do that we are truly masters at, and for that point, able to appreciate the heightened performance of a premium "master-class" tool or object. The average person does not really see the benefit for purchasing and acquiring a Speedvagen bike versus a run-of-the-mill Walmart tier bike they got on sale, when they only use it for the occasional pedestrian use and paved park trail. Though, I'm sure there would be a desire to own the former over the later. In addition, sometimes the premium choice is so sparkly and chrome we dare not use it, so we never get to appreciate it fully. Like the off-roader who doesn't dare take his brand new Ineos Grenadier on the next trip for fear of messing it up, or the hunter that doesn't want to take his custom made Remington clone on the next hunt for fear he'll scratch it or damage it, so they take their older, cheaper, alternative and afterwards (seeing it perform and meet desired expectation) cherish it all the more and further, meanwhile the premium choice lays in the corner, pristine sure, but untested, unblemished, and still remembered for leaving a sizable hole in the owner's wallet.

I think purchases and acquisitions need to balance a couple things: price, quality, and performance, and they are not all best when maximized. I think these are features that are usually best met when found at a "golden medium" per-se. One will be more satisfied with a middle-of-the-road option that does the task required (nothing more), and of a modest quality than the ultimate crafted and top tier option that they won't financially recover from. You may get the feeling that price is really the ultimate facet of this equation, and that might be true, someone with unlimited funds wouldn't care if the best and most expensive option gets dirtied or scuffed, but even then I think there's something to be said about the pride and achievement that comes from using something sub-par and still succeeding. There is a sign of skill and accomplishment when one can use a mid-tier option and skill go toe-to-toe with those that paid in excess for their option, a feeling of knowing your performance also played a part in the success and you didn't simply "pay to win". And I think that positive vibe and experience plays into the feeling and pride of the tool or object at play, there's something more appealing and cherished about the common and spartan choice that you can use and win with than the premium one that gains the scoff and comment of on-lookers for the reason that you weren't the pivotal variable in the equation: the premium tool was.