I agree with Dakine there, don't neccesarily practice it though. Don't think I buy as much as others but certainly more than the people around me.
I am happy with Guitar, OD, EQ and amp. I don't fiddle with the amps EQ much at all, the EQ just smooths it out, and lets me change the basic amp EQ whenever I feel like it.
I don't like the word tone for some reason neither :? Just like to say that I like that SOUND :P
Could it be argued that to get anywhere in the music business now that it is neccesary to buy all this stuff and be a GAS a holic, to compete with the other bands seeking the same fame? (not my opinion, just a perspective)