If you go to Urban Outfitters, one can find t-shirts that sell for $300. Old shoes that sell for $250.
Given that context, an old camera for $250 that is marketed as a fashion statement to someone who would have no idea how to purchase one at a flea market or eBay is hardly any money at all.
And an Electro 35 that helps one start a conversation in a bar with a hot girl, and then sleep with the girl, even though both parties know nothing about photography other than that the camera looks "cool" and serves as a subtle mating symbol, is well worth the $250 spent.
On the other hand, an assortment of odd looking middle-aged men who lurk on forums with $9,000 camera/lens combos (with the logo taped), all of whom equally barely knows anything about photography, and who NEVER goes home with a girl, laughs at the young kid with the $250 camera.
Who is getting the better use of the non-mainstream camera?