It's like when I wanted to replace my golf clubs for a higher end set I was reminded that Tiger Woods could take my set and shoot under par

Gear does not make the fisherman, but it needs to perform and be reliable and costs something. You get what you pay for up to a point, but there is a  point of diminishing returns on your investment as well. 

The bass at the other end could care less how much your setup cost.  

I too believe you get what you pay for up to a limit. When I pay that little extra I'm paying for lightness and balance wether it be a rod or reel. I'm also paying for reliability...I've got older shimanos and Diawa's that still perform flawlessly and their over ten years old. Not pretty but smooth as a babys butt in performance. I also pay extra for line too. I don't want that blue stuff that sits under the walmart or K-mart lights for twenty years for a $1.29 for 500 yards. It's all in what we want out of the sport and can afford to spend.

Tight Lines

It's no secret that if you buy quality gear you won't have to be replacing it in a couple of years. I like curados and have a couple of chronarchs. My thinking is that by buying those types of reels I'll have to pay more up front but they will give me years of good service eventually paying for them selves.

There's a huge difference in the weight and the quality of a 150 dollar combo and a 250 dollar combo

it makes a difference to a point.  only in that...does it get the fish to the bank or the boat.  using the right equipment...a reel with enough drag/power, and rod with enough backbone and line that won't break.  all that said. that can all be purchased for under $100, easy. 

although, a higher end rod will help you "feel" things better, thus potentially helping you catch more

to me it is all about location, location, location and timing.

 

imo...mostly it is like a car.... a Ford Tempo will get you where you want to go....but it sure is more fun arriving in a Corvette......(with a hot female next to you).... 

I didn't start fishing til I was 30, when I moved to a house with a lake literally in my backyard in south florida. One day I decided to get a spinning combo and start fishing. I paid $9.98 at Dick's and caught dozens of fish on it. Now I have several reels in the $100-300 range and rods that range into the high $200's. I can honestly say that they don't make me catch more, or bigger fish. But Hell, I'm just a sucker for good toys, I'm the same way with my tools. So I say fish with what you can afford, technique catches fish, not money.