Very surprising to see so many peole lashing out at "gatekeeping". Frugality is a very important thing (something something global warming?), a beginner can not get any meaning out of the very best gear, diminishing returns are a thing.
Wasting resources because you are unable to resist the temptation of marketing is dumb, selfish and harmful.
No, of course I'm not talking about safety gear. No, I'm not advocating for buying the cheapest stuff.