If the world was FULL of idiots, then you and I would be idiots too! The world contains some idiots and some who are brilliant. Most of us are somewhere in between. Frank

I engage in photography because I enjoy it, no other reason. I also enjoy working with carefully designed and manufactured equipment, so I acquire nearly the best I can afford, even if it may exceed my current capabilities. If faced with the issue you raised, I guess I would disagree. I see no downside to an individual having equipment that exceeds his/her photographic capability. The Apple iPad Pro I am typing on is capable of more functions than I am able to use. My vehicle has capabilities that exceed my driving ability. I have carpentry and mechanical tools, some of with exceed my capabilities. Why cannot the same thing be OK for the camera gear one has? I would advise anyone interested in photography to get the best camera gear one can reasonably afford, while keeping peace with one’s significant other, and learn to use the equipment’s capabilities that interest you. It’s not necessary that every photographer use all their equipment to the greatest extent possible. My POV. Frank

Check out RRS’ TFA-32G. The height ranges from 17.7” to 1.62”

I never buy extended warranties on anything including appliances and vehicles. My logic is: Over the long term, insurance companies must collect more in premiums than they pay out for claims or they would operate at a loss. If you are an average care taker of your equipment you will likely spend less on repairs/replacements over the long term than you would on extended warranties or any other kind of insurance. By “long term” I mean 20 - 40 years, long enough to average out your losses against non-losses. Frank

I also found this to be funny. But I wonder why we tend to view lawyers as dishonest. Our legal system is adversarial, and the lawyer’s job on each side is to represent his/her client’s best interest. Neither lawyer represents her/himself. Even the worst criminal is entitled to legal representation. So, why don’t we see jokes about dishonest architects, or dishonest dentists, or dishonest teachers?

Thanks. That explanation clarified my concern. Frank

I assume that if a refurbished camera meets the same specs as a new one, then the shutter should be in the same condition as a new one. Otherwise, if the shutter is left as is and has 100K cycles on it, it is nearly half worn out. So, my question was what does Nikon do about the shutter when refurbishing. Frank

When Nikon refurbishes a camera is the shutter overhauled so that it has nearly the same life as a new camera? Frank

Nor sure what the point is with the composite. The horse is beautiful in its own right, so why not photograph it in its own natural setting. There are areas where horses range on coastal or lake beaches. While this image is technically well done, the horse appears positioned to graze on sand. Just my personal view. Frank

Having been there in the early fall many times, the color tones in all these photos are natural. Frank

Part of the problem is that any point in time there are fewer jobs available than the total population of eligible workers. Not everyone can “better themselves and get a real job.” Frank

As I understand it you can be contagious before developing symptoms. Also, with the vaccine you can still contract Covid and be contagious, but will not likely develop serious symptoms in the one vaccinated. That’s why we are advised to continue with masks, social distancing, and hand washing after vaccination. There is no zero risk while still living! All the measures recommended to diminish he spread of Covid REDUCE the risk, not eliminate it. I think the vaccination will substantially reduce the risk of serious illness from Covid, and will get it when available. Frank

It takes several thousand dollars to complete all requirements for just a private pilot license.

Thanks for that clarification. Frank

Len Ben is entitled to his point of view and you to yours. But attacking him personally by asserting that he is full of bull crap does not help. Argue the facts and logic, not each other’s virtue.
Frank