I don't want a Rivendell particularly badly [or I'd own one], but I can't imagine why anyone would argue that owning a Rivendell and owning a LHT are equivalent. They are different on a number of different levels - including stuff like the social groups that have formed around the companies that bike ownership allows you to participate in.
If you like a Rivendell, the lugs, the paint, the ride, the Rivendell club, etc.. Go for it. It's your money.
The argument could go the other way with a Windsor Tourist owner asking a LHT owner why bother waste the extra money on a boutique brand like Surly? After all they both have two wheels, you can tour on 'em, they are mass produced overseas, but one costs way more.
There is another point though in all this, if you are spending $3,000 on a bicycle, you should really check with some of the local custom builders, some of them can build a very nice bike for $3,000. Because they are making the frame, they can build it to fit the rider, rather then trying to fit a mass produced bicycle from overseas. Mind you, for me I would have to win the lotto first, and even then I would keep my current bike for shopping and beating on, and just use the nice bike for touring longer distance day rides. Problem is it would really cost me $6,000 because I would need to get one for the better half as well......
