The Psychology of Constant (Equipment) Change

@audio_is_subjective64 - I think you mostly nailed it with your first answer, FOMO, Fear of Missing Out. Although some buy for the variety, or for real sonic upgrades, audiophiles are conditioned by audio equipment marketing that is based on the newest batch of stuff being better than what came before. This is common to many disposable income type hobbies where the equipment is integral to one’s performance and/or enjoyment. The growth and prosperity of the cable and tweak industries may be an example of audiophile FOMO.

this is PC that I was told costs over $1K new!!!

Can't say I am shocked.  The shield is interesting though.  I have never seen so little material on a shield.  Looks like about a 20% shield, with two of the small wires connected to the iec - that should work well at screening EMI/RFI.  Some years ago, I took apart a power cord from a fairly well-regarded company.  Three THHN wires twisted in a PVC tube with some goop, and a bog-standard plug/iec at each end.  About $30 in parts for a $500+ cord.  Reminds me of an equipment designer who once told me, "I should of gone into cables".