...and whatever he didn't get, I got...that was, before I left...

...but to answer your questions (or maybe relate to you nonetheless), I feel the same way about this bike hobby (as well as other pursuits and hobbies in my life); I look around at all the bikes and parts and sometimes say to myself, "do I really need all this stuff?" If only I could help someone else out who just plain needs a bike. Maybe someone who has no other alternative but to ride a decent, but cheap form of transport. I'd be interested in seeing where this kind of discussion can go...