The part that bothers me is at what point in time did quality made products become a luxury?

I see the scale as follows.

Poorly made junk that barely accomplishes the goals of the product. Breaks quickly, go buy another one. Walmart is full of this kind of stuff. It is the American way to be penny smart and dollar foolish because instead of buy one that costs twice as much that lasts a lifetime, we'll buy a new one every year when the one we have breaks.

Quality goods. Well made stuff that does what it is supposed to well, lasts a long time and has replacement parts available for wearing parts.

Luxury goods: Stuff that you buy because of brand marketing to boost your ego or to be recognized as a consumer of product X. MAY be a quality good, but in this day and age, could easily be junk that a brand has slapped their label on to make a buck.

I shoot for quality goods with most of my purchases and I am willing to spend a few more dollars on stuff that is well made and will last. Especially tools, kitchen tools, bicycles equipment, camera and scuba stuff. For the most part I abhor cheaply made crap, although I will sometimes get something in this category for a one time use or when I know it will be expendable.