In any event, if you want to be a musician you need equipment and that is a fact. Why there is this jealousy of those that have a nice collection of gear or who own some rare or interesting gear is beyond me. Well, playing covers is not exactly selling out. I would not have acknowledged that 20 years ago, but a band that expertly executes popular tunes is the result of good musicianship. Perhaps they are not creative in the perspective of writing their own songs and music, but they must be respected just the same.
Dollars pay bills and art pays the psyche.
A few years ago, a close friend who is a visual artist had a nervous breakdown because she realized she may never be famous making her art. I remember many coast to coast after midnight calls in deep discussion about how it is OK to make art that no one may ever see. You must appreciate it for yourself first and the world later. Of course, this is a big hurdle because as artists we always need to get the reinforcement of the recognition of our craft. Obviously it does.