Oliver,
Thanks for the dilemma.....
Previously, I defined luxury with "cost" by saying, "The true cost of luxury is the choice that it affords."
I am drawn to both your friend's and your viewpoints, thus hinting that there is more than one definition of luxury beyond being in a state of extravagance. Others have mentioned the distancing of self from guilt to enjoy luxury or resolve cognitive / aesthetic dissonance.
The keyword may be 'knowledge' rather than 'luxury' that we have all focused upon. What characteristic of knowledge affects our experience of luxury?
I tried to recall my experience in the year 2001 B.P. (Before PuristS) compared to now.
I think, then, I enjoyed the Luxury of Innocence.
That is why I bought variations of Roger Dubuis "limited editions with matched dials" or Ulysse Nardin perpetual calendars with equal extravagance. This was irrespective of the fact that ALL the simple Roger Dubuis watches broke down at least once (some repeatedly) and none of the Ulysse Nardin specimens ever needed repair.
I also embarked on a quest for at least one example of every FP Journe movement introduced; without regard for the Quality Control or Gallic Indifference to after-sales service. See below.
I even paid upfront for RD and FPJ watches while in the boutique that required return to repair workshop before becoming fit-for-delivery !
After PuristS, I may have lost the 'Luxury of Innocence' but could discover the true blue Innocence of Luxury filled with Passion, Opinion and Information. I think I gained something more in the trade-off.
Regards,
MTF