I agree to some extent… but most new players and new shooters don’t realize that Stevie Ray Vaughan can pick up a $10 hello kitty guitar at Walmart and sound just like Stevie Ray Vaughan. New hobbyists always think better gear makes you a better player/shooter/batter/fisherman/driver…Well there's always exceptions. Most unexperienced players/shooters wouldn't drop thousands on a bass/gun. But some have more money than sense. I'll say shooting is easier than playing an instrument though, from my experiences anyway.
In some cases it does. I played guitar for 45 years or so. I can hold my own around the campfire but that’s about it. I’ve had some great guitars though. They made it more fun to learn.