Well, for pool to keep up with golf you have to take it one step at a time.
I actually think it is good and would never criticize somebody for spending on fancy equipment or suggest they get better before buying it. The least it does is support the industry. It shows they are willing to spend money on the game, perhaps for the idea that it will improve their game. And maybe they will play more after they get the item. So while buying the thing won’t improve their game, the idea that it might could help the player eventually. That idea indicates they think improvement is possible. That idea needs to be nurtured even if the idea the new jump cue will help a lot is misguided.
Even if they never get better, so what? Our game benefits when people are interested enough in it to spend on equipment and IMO they should never be discouraged from doing so by being told they shouldn’t buy it, don’t need it, don’t need it until they improve, etc…. And maybe they just like buying new stuff and trying it. And….who is more likely to spend money on instruction someday- the person who shelled out $700 for the jump cue or the one who didn’t?
I am not saying you criticize this group and you indicate it is their money and choice. But some are more critical and IMO they shouldn’t be. If only because what someone else spends on equipment is their business. Beyond that though, I think spending on stuff you don’t strictly need helps the game and can be enjoyable just because. And my pile of stuff downstairs shows I put my money where my mouth is.