why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

Yeah, Geoff, but knowing when to buy used, vs new is critical. I enjoy high end preamps, I have found used ones as low as 25% of new retail. Last one was 30% of new retail. that means I am just leaping in on a buy I was really not specifically looking for, just because it is neat, and cheap. Works out for me so far.                  
But if I want specific cables. Like say... my seven meter Kimber XLR KS1116. Exactly how many YEARS do you think I will be waiting for one to show up used? Twenty years? Thirty?              
If you just want 'any' fancy cable and are willing to go for it, then yeah you can find good deals on cables. Aside from the chance it is a fake...

I think that’s called penny wise and pound foolish. 🤗

Get the best sounding stereo you can afford. It's perhaps one of the saner things you can do with your money. Get the best (read most comfortable, sleep inducing) bed you can afford. Give as much as you can to those organizations that promote the most public and environmental welfare.Treat yourself and other to the good things in life.
 Who knows how much longer we have? Enjoy it while it, you last.

 The following statement is true.The previous statement is false

I spent over $3000 on some AC duplex (for the stereo of course). Most recent spent $100 for four resistors which happened to be on sale for 50% off.                   
So just how much SHOULD I be spending for interconnects? (naturally this is a rhetorical question, but I am sure I can get some answers... FYI my last two IC spending sprees cost me $9000.)