I think you're overthinking it. If you're buying something that's going to last for 10 years, spending 20% more for higher specs probably isn't a waste of money, if you actually use and like those extra features. It's better than getting the cheap base model and then being unhappy with it and wanting a better one in a year or two. With a higher-spec model, you probably won't feel the urge to replace it so quickly.

True. However on the TV I spent about 300 percent higher than I originally set out to! Probably the only very high end thing I've ever bought though.