[balance]

While I understand the authenticity benefits that come along with the red stickers, I find wheels like TE-37s, CE28Ns, etc. attractive because they have such clean and simple looks. Why put red stripes or stickers on such beautiful wheels only to degrade their innate merits? Just my personal opinion. (I personally find their "Time Attack" series wheels to be hideous.)

As far as I know, besides rich ppl, there are also young guys who cuts on their living expenses just to have the "Volk" wheels for the reasons you mentioned. At the present moment of my life, I will never be able to justify myself to spend that much money on a set of wheels because I would rather put that money into buying more seat time at the track instead of owning a set of "High-Status" wheels.

That said, I don't dislike volk wheels. In fact, I love them. They are one of the best wheels you can get for your car - light, strong, good looking, etc. But, I think you have a bigger problem to take care if you need to have a set of Volk wheels or boutique clothes to have a self-esteem high enough to go hang out with other people or living in the environment where such things are prerequisites.