Forced scarcity and exclusivity.

[Mistyregions]

If a gold medalist sells their medal they are still a gold medalist. They aren't doing it for the actual THING.

Wouldn't that thing still give you that metaphorical pep in your step? The actual thing is a physical representation of your accomplishment and if hanging out with other gold medalist you still could have a sense of pride for having the first and o ly one made of recycled poop. Everyone has that baller feeling and moment when they accomplish something no one can or will be able to, I know super humble people who will still smack talk in good fun about having certain things , that's not necessarily bad but its definitely a motivator you know? That BDE, that POTG. Maybe the community isn't very competitive? Is that what it is? I'm not trying to take digs at people and some people made valid points I can agree with.

[Krotoan]

Wouldn't that thing still give you that metaphorical pep in your step? The actual thing is a physical representation of your accomplishment and if hanging out with other gold medalist you still could have a sense of pride for having the first and o ly one made of recycled poop. Everyone has that baller feeling and moment when they accomplish something no one can or will be able to, I know super humble people who will still smack talk in good fun about having certain things , that's not necessarily bad but its definitely a motivator you know? That BDE, that POTG. Maybe the community isn't very competitive? Is that what it is? I'm not trying to take digs at people and some people made valid points I can agree with.

I have a certificate somewhere that says I , at the time, was in the top youth orchestra in my state. This certificate in and of itself only serves to remind me of the fact that I had done that. I take pride in it only because of what it represents, not it's intrinsic value. I understand people wanting mementos, but the problem gets worse when you make those momentos have value in and of themselves like looking cool. I think the biggest problem is that in this game of virtual representations the certificates of achievement are also of value simply for aesthetics. Maybe if you could walk around with a few favorite "achievements" on your player card highlighted and make sure everyone gets at least access to any cosmetic you'd have less friction.

I don't know of any gold medalist who worked their butt off simply because the gold held more intrinsic value than a bronze.