Ah the question of life,
Why are there Rolls Royce and Fords, because people want them, and because people are different and like different things. Some people will make a tank out of practically nothing while the next person needs nothing but the best.
That is human nature, and if everyone was told they could magically have any tank they wanted people would pick different things, just like a vehicle, pick anything you want, and not everyone would want a RR.
I admire many SW set ups and love to see the aquascaping champion competitors tanks. So many are amazing. As for the competitive nature of the aquascaping, very expensive setups for most. Initial cost would rival SW tank.
But what you might like to see, could be drastically different from what you would want to keep. I like my tanks to be easy to care for/keep.
Why does anyone need to be a snob, FW or SW. I have been "dismissed" by "SW people" when I said I raise dwarf shrimp or have a FW tank. There are always those who want to be above the others, be more, do more, spend more. And that's fine with me because I will buy their used stuff and make something awesome out of it, lol.
Greed is also in human nature, like not caring about the long term effects of what is happening in the oceans. But also human nature to care and be responsible like the villagers growing corals and learning how to breed fish and sustainably catch fish, and the hobbyist sharing amazing things to further excite the long term growth of a HUGE industry/trade and hobby.
I like smallish low tech planted tanks right now with inverts... my first shrimp
that is inspiration.
but I just got hooked on (smallish) SW reef tanks big time because of these
SOOOOOO cool!
They are so amazing to be able to see every day. I feel blessed to be able to keep these things in my home. And try to share the enthusiasm all around.
How lucky /fortunate, hard working, creative, are we that we are free to keep this kind of a hobby going? So I prefer both the luxury vehicle and the working man's car, but I don't want to pay full price for either ;D And very happy to have the choice to do both.