+1 there boogsy.
Rolex, all that I'm trying to say is that the word "worth it" or "sulit" is not portable, and neither can we put a "one size fits all" definition of it. The definition of sulit is always your own. It' always a cost-benefit thing, and is based on your personal criteria of what's important to you. If your criteria is getting from point A to point B, and just that then a Corolla will always kick the butt of a Porsche. If your criteria dictates that you want to get from A to B faster, then a more powerful car will be justified. If your criteria dictates that you have to get from A to B fast, and look good while doing it, then the Porsche becomes definitely justified. It all boils down to what's important to you and what are the criteria you use when selecting gear.
Now, attempting to hit the nail on the head. A story from ussfdoc during one of my visits. He told me that the Fender Standard MIM and the American Standard MIA strats are THE SAME everywhere. In wood, hardware, wires etc. The only difference is that legal mexicans assemble the MIA's in Corona while Mexican nationals assemble the MIM's in Tijuana. Its in the higher end where Fender puts your money's worth. This is a guy who worked in the Fender factory.
In less detail, he recalls how his 500 dollar Epiphone LP has absolutely no sonic difference to his 4,000 dollar Gibson LP.
Another anecdote. I was in this party and the player was sporting a Baker B3. There were other (more seasoned, if I may add) guitarists in the table with me. One of them remarked "okay, it's a Les Paul". Oh well. But he sure looked awesome (played awesome too no doubt) wearing that B3 and of course there was that "wow" factor.
Another anecdote.
http://consumerist.com/362926/do-coat-hangers-sound-as-good-monster-cables . Audiophiles cannot determine the difference between a monster cable and a coat hanger.
From my own personal experience too. In a blind test of Overdrives, my TS7 won over several and much more expensive OD's. Of course there were other factors that played out but yeah in that particular test, a humble TS7 (and a ego-maniacal owner) won.
The Boston HM100 is electronically superior to the Boss Metalzone costing more than four times its price, although let's lay off the sonically superior until a blind test is done. Besides that's too subjective.
Then there's the China tube amp clones.
So where is it exactly ? Going back now to guitar. At some point even a midline guitar will meet your criteria for "OK" sound. If you want more then upgrade the pickups. If you want to look awesome and people go "ooh, he's really rich" then get something really expensive. But as for the money-for-tone thing ? Oh I don't know. I've seen too many counter-examples. You *can* get more than what you pay for by not paying for expensive labor, marketing expenses, expensive currencies and "the name".
Tell me if I'm off the line.