OP here.
This thread has taken some turns since my original post. There is no reason to attack me for my questions. I do not have a big ego, and I am not rich. The $1000 piece was just an example. I save up for my glass, and other accessories.
I spend way more on hash than I do glass. I buy maybe 3 pieces a year. Some years I don't buy any glass, and I use my money for other things.
I apologize that I was under the impression that this thread was mostly US and CA based. I am really interested in international cannabis scenes, and what is happening all over the world. I'd love to hear what it's like in your area.
Most of the glass I have is around $300, but is all produced in the US. My most recent purchase was a Leisure Incycler for $200 USD.
There is no hate on products produced in China except cannabis related items.
For example, the Puffco Peak. It is a big hype item for cannabis concentrates. They threw a big contest for glass blowers to make rig attachments, including drawings and pictures during production. 2 days ago, I saw someone post on Instagram that they found the Puffco Peak on Ailbaba and DHgate for $14, when it originally went for $400. Puffco decided to do business in China, and got their designs stolen. I would not be shocked it rigs made in this contest were knocked off as well.
My issue with China cannabis products is sweatshop labor, inferior materials mostly in the color variety, a lack of passion and intention of creating fuctional artwork, and stealing of others designs and brand to sell as their own.
If you are worried about breaking your glass, make yourself a station with everything you need to smoke comfortably. I use a wood tray with moodmat pads to easily move and put away my entire set up without risk. I move it from my kitchen table to my coffee table pretty regularly. I don't have children or pets, so it's not really at risk of random accident. I haven't broken anything more than an adapter or quartz insert in about 6 years. The most expensive break in recent times was a $40 item.