I think it's as much about convenience, or instant gratification, as it is about cost and quality. Almost everyone will agree that real home cooking is superior to most of what you'll get in restaurants. But how many of us, myself included, don't want to take the time or effort to cook our own meals. I am a very good cook, but I often just don't want to put forth the effort to get the groceries, prepare the meal, and clean up afterwards.

The same is true of a lot of other things. I can do them, but I don't have the patience to do it myself.

Not, this isn't an absolute. There are some things I could do, but I know someone else will do much better job. And it depends on the product. The pack of underwear from Walmart will suit me just fine, but I will pay and wait for a kilt.

Now, I consider myself an educated and thoughtful man, so I do know the differences in quality and price. But, I am as much a member of the consumer society as anyone. I too tend to look at price first, but it's not the only thing I look at.