Not to criticize your statement here, but there you go depending on digital metapixel resolution. I believe it was Robert Capa (superb WWII war photographer esp. of the D-Day landing) who once said, "If you're not getting good pictures, it's because you're not close enough."
Koichi Sawada, perhaps one of the best to cover the VN conflict shot limited frames on his 35-mm Leicas, but EVERY damn frame was worthy of publishing!
As you so rightly said, it's not the equipment, but the eye that matters. (Of course, it HELPS to be in focus! :-)
Well I guess he never tried to blow up a 6mp image to wall size and have it still look good. Because they only had film back then. Trust me there are equipment limitation you have to deal with these days. Or Pros would not spend $5k to $50K for Camera bodies and $2k to $10K lenses. They do it because it produces the best image quality for printing.
I hear ya... Nothing has become cheaper except for the phone/cameras made by cheap labor. Like anything else you wish to excel in, the list of equipment to pursue that goal ever grows longer!
Yes it does. I try to get the most out of my gear before I upgrade and actually need to. Improving my skill and ability rather than being a gear junky that was not only do I become a better photographer, but also save money!
As a pro - that's a critical factor!