The point that got this whole mess started was the statement that better mikes (Neumanns, Schoeps, etc) do not necessarily sound better than Church or AT Mikes and if they do sound marginally better, then double the price does not equate to double the quality. I disagreed with the first part of that statement and do in fact agree with the latter point.
But I guess the consensus is that while better mikes sound better, the difference is marginal to some ears and budgets and significant to other ears and budgets. If you tape a lot, Daspy's comment is spot on, as the price difference on a per show basis is probably a dollar, the way he tapes. I bought the best pair of mikes I could afford, and then doubled down and got back up rigs.
If you like this hobby, get the absolutely best mikes you can afford, they are a key component. Also consider getting the same or similar rigs to those friends you have, so you can swap or borrow gear when stuff breaks.