On a 20" TV with built in speakers I'll understand a movie or tv show just as much as you will with your "home theatre" setup, it does just fine for enjoying a movie. Do you disagree? Because wheels seem the same way to me.
There is no doubt that Zipp 404's ARE faster than $100 rims. It's simply fact. If 20 seconds and great looks aren't worth it to you, thats ok. A home theatre might not be worth it to me. My $99 speakers from 1995 sound great to me.
Your story of some kid on a junker going fast means nothing. I go fast on my $300 bike too, but I also go *faster* on my fancy bike with fancy wheels. He would too.
Agree, it is about priorities. But I wouldn't want to live with a 20 inch TV as my biggest TV either. Hell, my computer screen is bigger than that. I guess if I was stuck in Africa or something I would be OK with it.
Ride what you like and hey, if you can't afford it...get 'em anyway...those 20 seconds for the non racer are important and besides we have an American tradition to live up to.