LTH, MEM, and MassM, I really, really appreciate the replies to this post... keep adding to it if you have anymore to say on this topic.
This topic is something that is important to me, since I use gear and plan on continuing use. You all are right, it's all about choice, weighing out the pros and cons and making smart well informed decisions. I don't feel that my decisions regarding this have been made blindly, but at the same time I am fully aware that I need to learn more and more... I seriously doubt that I will ever reach a point to where I have learned all there is to about gear... you can always learn more. I know that my decision to use gear is one that has its risk, and I hope that advise from those that are more experienced like you 3 guys will continue to help me minimize these risk as much as possible.
Again, appreciate the replies, and if I ever say anything on this board I about gear that is misinformed or misplaced, please by all means, do not hesitate to bust my balls when it's needed.