I tried using "lesser" guitars for gigging, but I get frustrated when they don't come up to scratch. I'm no pro, nor stinking rich, but Mrs Twinfan and myself don't have kids or expensive holidays so my spare cash goes on my toys. I've built up a bit of a collection over the years and some are leaving to make way for the new McCarty so it'll cost me nothing in reality.
A benefit of being a little bit older, having worked for a few years, and working up the guitar ladder I guess.