weight and diameter of the blank have no point if the actions aren't what the angler wants. Everyone to their own, but you can't buy success in angling...
You make a point that I don't disagree with at all. I've said exactly the same myself. However, unless you actually fish with these rods, your opinion on them is worth diddly squat. You may think that they aren't worth the money and, for you, they might not be. However, you don't actually know one way or another.
There are some high price rods that I don't think are worth the money. In some instances, it's just a feeling I have from minimal experience. When this is the case, and I've not fished with them, I try to keep my opinion to myself. It has no proper basis. However, I've actually bought a few that I don't think are worth the RRP or normal retail price. Chances are that I'll have taken a blind punt because I've found something at a silly price. Alternatively, I've bought the odd duffer based on independent reviews and forum chatter. I may not comment on them either. It's hardly sensible to rubbish something you may wish to sell at some point. The subtle difference here is that at least my opinion on them has some basis. I bought them, I fished with them, I know. I don't doubt that some other people will have a totally different opinion on the same rod, but only if they've actually used them does that opinion count for anything.
One thing is for sure, I don't rate anything simply because it is expensive, I never have and never will. A high price tag is no particular guarantee of anything other than the item costing a lot. I also don't rate anything simply because it's thin and light. However, all else being equal, I'll take the lightest option every time. Any angler would be a bloody fool not to.
Everyone to their own, but you can't buy success in angling...
Never, ever have I suggested that money (on kit) buys success in angling. However, I would argue that money thrown at good fishery memberships/travel (where necessary) can actually buy angling success. Good gear does not make someone a better angler, never has and never will. However, it might just make the best of whatever skill an individual has.
If nothing else, if it makes someone happy, it's all to the good.
I don't care at all whether anyone else buys the rods I might. I don't care if they could afford to and choose not to or just can't afford them. I make no judgment either way. I don't need everyone to agree with my ideas about what gear is good, bad or indifferent. I don't care whether someone fishes with a Roger Surgay specials or the most expensive things going. What I do find objectionable is the bile suggesting that anyone buying expensive rods are mugs, marketing men's dreams etc especially when the people passing comment barely even fish and have never even used the kind of kit they are commenting on. The frequent suggestion of it being one upmanship is equally preposterous. I never pay any attention to what anyone is using on the bank. I'd be slightly perturbed if anyone, especially anyone I didn't know pretty well, paid any attention to what I was using. However, I find that in the real world, no one cares. It's only on the forums that people pass comment about how strangers choose to fish and the gear they use when doing it.