why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

I needed to laugh right now and I am. System synergy means nothing. Equipment means nothing. If you ain't got a full loom you are missing out. After my cowboys lost I needed to laugh and the full loom comment has given me the laugh I needed. This is why people think we are cable crazy. You have to have good quality cables but I in no way believe that you get there with cables alone. No way get great gear and good cables and you are there but you can't put new Pirelli tires tires on moms old pacer and race Porsche.

Dave b, it does if you consume kool-aid by the gallon .

I must admit I have been a bit obtuse, but in all seriousness, happiness can be had all over the place with cables depending on your expectations and experience level. Of course the level of your system being critical. As for me, having had more gear and cables than a person has a right to, I have come to rely on MIT for one reason....they make listening to music more thrilling and lifelike. That being said, I once had a mid level system hooked up with Monster M series cables that sounded utterly fantastic.

I'm hoping for some "Trickle Down Economics" on this topic as well.

Cables are luxury and convenience.
Mega priced ones beautifully designed for looks, but experimenting with sound differences is truly sufficient few bucks instead of $30,000. All I did when I was child is to connect solid core wire or stranded picked up from the electronic lab where I was learning. I wasn't sure how much it was worth(perhaps half-dollar per meter), but I heard differences especially if solid core wire was used.
I can bet lots to find same wire that will sound same or better than $30,000 cable.
They made only for ones that don't know the difference between $3 and $30,000. Many would agree