That's a nice theory and it sounds true if you stick to the surface of the argument, but there are nuances there that you're conveniently glazing over to sound like the righteous defender of the weak... and I call bull.
Discussions around "People with better gear are mean to those of us with lesser gear", "xxx makes me a professional", "xxx does NOT make you a professional", any "pro vs not" discussion, or really anything where either the subject or the content of the first message includes the word "rant", are not only often repeated but utterly valueless at their core. Yes, I did say that. What I'm saying is that this very TOPIC, and all like it, should be banned, and the forum could only be enriched for its banning.
Now everyone will decry what a horrible monster I am... oppressive and the whole bit. Sure, sure. Whiners. Every single one. People want so DESPERATELY to be heard, and so DESPERATELY to be accepted and feel like they're special even though they have a cheaper camera or less experience or whatever their particular hang-up is. What people need to really do is learn how to accept THEMSELVES for who they ARE and stop posting raving complaint threads on internet forums looking for a pat on the back and assurances that everything will be ok and that they're just great because at least 300 other people are in the same exact boat as them, and they all can get together and think it's all ok.
Bah.