why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

HDMI cables have different qualities too!
I can say that since I bought a better silver plated OFC one and Hell yes the picture is cleaner and better looking.
And IMO there is a lot of overlap in Video and audio gear. Particularly for tweaking.
The big plus for video gear is you can SEE the results in the picture. Audio the ear has a tougher time to 'see' as easily.
For my Plasma TV, I could see the results of different powercords. and using a conditioner at all. or a different AC conditioner.
So I would say there is value in talking about video equipment and tweaks in an audio thread.

Do you really think companies who manufacture an entire range of HDMI cables like Audioquest are perpetrating a hoax?

I keep telling you guys...not a hoax.  These fancy cables are relatively pricey to produce because they are made to look expensive.  Looking cool has value!  Sorta like wheels on a Jaguar...way more show than go...more form than function.  But of value nonetheless.

Just let's be honest; admit you buy them mostly for the looks.  If you cannot then you are being hoodwinked.  Or you want them so bad to sound "better," they magically do.

Perhaps have a friend(s) over that is a music lover, but not all that knowledgeable about most of the audiophile products such as cables. Switch some cheap cables with the expensive ones. See if it makes these obvious differences to him, you think you hear. When he can’t pick the crap from the shinola, perhaps its time to spend your money elsewhere.

"" Just let's be honest; admit you buy them mostly for the looks. If you cannot then you are being hoodwinked. Or you want them so bad to sound "better," they magically do. ""

Both of those claims are straw man arguments. Asked and answered.
Why the need to belittle other folks who find the Universe to be more interesting than you do?

Even the car analogy fails. Most cars that folks think 'look cool' because they actually are faster, turn better and do most enthusiast things better than 'ordinary' cars.
Now someone might put 20" wheels with 30 series profile tires on a Buick just to 'look cool'. But that is not what is being claimed. The claim seems to be that all car modifications are for 'show' and not enhanced performance. Which is easily seen to be an error on the part of dynaquest4 making wild claims, then saying they are the norm..
When all you can do is throw mud.. I think your arguments are finished. Time to throw in the towel dynaquest4!

tobor007 - Perhaps have a friend(s) over that is a music lover, but not all that knowledgeable about most of the audiophile products such as cables. Switch some cheap cables with the expensive ones. See if it makes these obvious differences to him, you think you hear. When he can’t pick the crap from the shinola, perhaps its time to spend your money elsewhere.

Precisely!!!

+1

Caution: Be prepared for the nonsensical commentary feedback which calls into question the kind or type of test involved. 

Think Amy > Bob > Amy > Bob !!!