Firstly, I'm not confusing anything. I'm simply commenting on the subject, based on my experiences, and relating how it has *directly affected people I know*, and so stand by every word I wrote. Interesting that you thought I was referring to you... Did you think you fitted the profile?
I can assure you that you weren't in my mind, and neither was Roy. Jerry, I've already discussed. We've known each other for years, I've met him a few times and visited him at his home, so by now I'd like to think I've got a reasonable handle on his 'hi-fi habits'. However, he's free to correct me if I'm wrong!
This is rather like the recent discussion on retirement... There's nothing wrong with anything, *if* you ENJOY doing it, and it's FUN, hence why I've highlighted the above. Therefore, whether you're working into your dotage doing a job you love, or dicking around with hi-fi gear for the same length of time, and you can afford it and it MAKES YOU HAPPY, there is no argument.
My argument here, as indeed it was on the retirement/pension thread, solely refers to the behaviour of those who claim to be doing something that they enjoy, as you've outlined, BUT deep down are far from happy or having fun. And trust me, in terms of hi-fi enthusiasts, there are plenty of them about. I've met them not only on forums, but in real life at bakeoffs, hi-fi shows, and sold to them when I worked in the industry, so they *do* exist.
Also, you're right, hoarding excessive collections of records or CDs, or any other form of physical music media, largely for the sake of it and gaining no real pleasure from the exercise, is just as bad as doing the same with hi-fi equipment. It doesn't matter WHAT it is you're collecting or doing. If it's no longer fun, and worse causing you financial hardship or affecting your marriage/relationship, then it's time to think about stopping and doing something else!
Anyway, Sean's Gallery thread isn't really the place for this sort of discussion, so we should leave it there. I only commented, as I did, because Sean had indulged in a little introspection, which appeared to have been beneficial for him, as he's now in a happy place, when once he wasn't, and I think that others could learn from his experience
Marco.