It being counter productive to want or use new gear isn’t really the truth. I had issues making the music I wanted with my previous audio interface. I wanted, researched and purchased an ES-8. With 8 track recording from my modular, I have come much closer to what is in my head.
There are all kinds of cases to prove or disprove the idea that gear can improve music. You could say that Bob Dylan reached a sound that he desired when he swapped from electric to acoustic, and improved by many people’s standards.
Then, you can look at the Velvet Underground who after having their gear truck stolen between their second and third albums took the time to pair their music down, remove some of the overdrive driven nature and make a more heartfelt and intimate album than White Light/White Heat.
But the fact remains, even if you’re an acapela group, Gregorian chant group or Deadalus, if folks outside of your present space will hear the music you make, there is gear involved and the acquiring of it could be seen very much as an aspirational endeavor.
Then again, you’re right, there are forever exceptions to the rule.
