"excessive" and "bombproof" are pretty subjective things.

"excessive" in terms of pants is one thing. a couple pairs of $5 thrift store jeans will last as long as these things.

"excessive" in terms of rims or hubs? the difference between a $20 rim and a $50 rim becomes evident really quickly if you jump curbs, or ride anything other than pavement. the only way the purchase of something like a phil hubset becomes "excessive" is if the person buying doesn't use them until they die.