I'd equate it more to the difference between spending an extra $100 on a solid pair of boots which last 4x longer (cheaper over time) - we're not talking diamond-encrusted phones here

(That said, Apple are doing a great job of losing this value prop)

When I've bought Macs they've often been an older model - luxury-pricing-wise that's nothing next to an Alienware or Surface

A better experience here means just a little bit more bearable to use, not a luxury product experience.