I dive into similar arguments in auto sites when the lease vs purchase debate arises.
It's really the same thing as what we're talking about in an important sense.
While you can assess financial alternatives dispassionately and then opt for the less expensive course of action, the issue is much more complex. We all carry "baggage" on how one should walk through life. Parents instill values, and risk acceptance level differ. Certainly borrowing to procure luxury items seems inherently wrong for many people and these "feelings" must be weighed with the financial facts. If you abhor making a payment, you may act against your best financial interests and that's okay and understandable.