Sometimes, it's not about the money, it's about the something else. I can afford whatever I want. Yo! will be able to relate to this example. I have a Leshiy 2 on order, 100% prepaid, that is to ship 7/15-8/15. I was looking for a scope for it. Anyone who has owned a Leshiy (I do) knows it can be difficult to scope because it folds and its not desirable to have the scope sit past the hinge,and the relatively long length of pull which puts your eye far from a compact scope. Yo! gave me a tip on the Vortex Razor HD 1-10 x 24 Gen III with EBR9 mil reticle. I emailed my premium optics dealer, and the price was $1,800. When I asked about delivery, he said there in no ETA. He's still waiting for orders he placed in January!
If my Leshiy arrives in the time frame quoted (it better or I will request a refund from Paypal), I could be without a scope for it for 6 or more months. I went on OP and found the Atibal X 1-10x 30. The reticle is acceptable to me. 4.5 star rating there and a couple other places. Turns out Vortex generally copies Atibal products. That's why it's in stock and the Vortex is yet to be made (at higher price and quality though probably not almost 3X the quality). I'm not going to have my L2 for 5,6, or more months without a scope. I was willing and able to pay $1,800 for the Vortex today, but am not willing to wait for whenever. Atibal X it is. The price? $646. I will have to shell out another $100 because the Atibal X tube is 35mm. With me, it is NEVER about the money. It's about what I want/need, and what I can get.