preying on the insecurities is the core principle of retail, unfortunately.

slightly off, but an interesting social observation.
I was lucky when I was young, and had a 'shit hot job' (it was crap, but that's how it looked from the outside).

I had a brand new BMW each year. (I was only 20, so gimme a break )

Being 20 and full of hormones, the beemer worked wonders! (seriously).

it's not deep or meaningful or anything - but I definitely noticed a difference compared to when not driving a hot car.
Sad but true.
(the state of materialism in society, not me. lol)