I'd have to say I agree, I've a friend who's a good photographer, has a good few snaps published in books and mags, mostly about motorcycles (Isle of Man TT, North West 200 etc). Anyway, he has a 350D and says in reality it should see him to the grave, when he meets up with other snappers it nearly allways turns into a "mine is bigger than yours" thing. Think too many people get caught up with "buying ability", owning a Trek 5900 with a full SRAM Red group won't make you go any faster up the hills.
Also find it a bit strange that by the time your able to own this high end kit (£10k amps etc) your most likely in your 40's, eyesight and hearing are in decline so in reality, you are the weakest link.
Dom