My preference for watches are reasonably inexensive ($50-200) but well made, such as geneves and invictas. I tend to get automatic watches with no electronics because to me, they're "higher tech" than chips and digital. They're the ultimate puzzles.
A Nokia N770 internet tablet was the last "major" gadget purchase
A custom built amish pine 3 shelf book case for the kitchen is the last "major" furniture purchase (pick it up today)
A card reader to get my 7/4 pictures off my camera was my last small purchase (flickr,youtube)
Apparently the problem is the skinny jack. Because ibuds have those skinny stems. So all you really need is any skinny mini male connector to adapt to the jack. Or you can google "iphone headphone adapter" and have one for $6.
and altec lansing im716s for around $100, and ER4Ps, etc
But don't let these high end snobs get to you, there are a fair number of decent cans available sub $50. Especially for non-critical listening. Check out headphone.com, they make good recommendations for price and value.
I used to hate them, but multi-touch capable touchpads are pretty rockin'. And you don't have to take your hands off the keyboard, so it's faster than a mouse.
You have a point if they paid for ray samuels amps. But the vast majority of people giving advice on this particular web forum have spent quality time with the gear they're recommending. No one is saying the guy at GNS is tone deaf. Just misinformed.