Has it all been worth it?

Yup.  I sold hifi in the 80's.  I don't have what is considered a pure audiophile system but it gets the job done better than anything I have ever owned.  I don't have FOMO.  I don't have upgrade-itis. Play on!

There's a serious issue with FOMO in this hobby and way too many people chase the unobtainable. I guess if they've got the money and it makes them happy (the buying new stuff, obviously not how it sounds), gofer it.

Don't regret a moment of it or a dollar of it, although many of both were "wasted" as viewed in 20/20 hindsight. For many of us there have always been limitations and side constraints. Who has the time and money to build a perfect listening room with perfectly matched components before retirement age -- if then? The ideal  is not the goal, but simply the standard of reference. The goal is simply improvement. At all times I ask what is the current weak link, and focus on that  -- until something breaks, or some revolutionary product appears, and then the focus goes elsewhere. A journey, not a destination. A process, not a product.   

As Lilith said on Cheers when reading the will: "that damn bar!"

This darn forum!

For me, first and foremost, it's always been about the simple joy of listening to music.  Broadening my tastes over the decades, listening to what was the 'thang' of that era....symphonies, live concerts, rock as it's rolling along, oddities and audities, dipping ears and mind repeatedly into the seas of sounds and songs.

Not always with SOTA; 'ell, it's been a stretch at times to acquire that 'tad better than adequate' with only the regret of letting some things slip from my hands.

Became a bit of a gearhead when I opted to 'give it a go' to emulate and revise an old legend with a nil budget with reasonable success at it.
That in itself gives me significant satisfaction, if only for my own sake and the time spent in the pursuit.  That I may have inspired others to take up the tools to follow their muse and make the attempt to DIY a Walsh, a ribbon, an amt made by their own hands and efforts has been a boost and a challenge to carry on....

Experienced at various means of manufacture and the materials involved, some talent at 'making it work' beyond mere noise, and gumption enough to ignore a lack of the sheer mountain of 'details' cited in the glowing reviews of Object X vs. my crude ("...not ready for Prime Time....") 'retro-punk' drivers that still cause a pause.

...and have to be tested with music, yet again, at the end of the day...or night, in my case... ;)

I've found Mine.
If you haven't found yours yet.....the rabbit will always outrun you.
Your budget. or lack of, will always never quite be 'enough' even when considered cost no object....

It's reproduction.  It's not R/T.  There will Always be 'that' which will itch....

If it's not fun...Why? 🤷‍♂️