For sure, money comes into play on any of these big ticket items. In today's economic straits, money has to be better spent by most people and very often economics comes into play at decision time.
I own an up graded LX3. If someone GAVE me an LX5, I can assure you that it would quickly become my go-to unit. BUT....I am not going to spend a penny to buy an LX5. I will not spend the 550+ on a Vex fl22 either. Everything I need in a flasher is met using the LX3. I fish as well with the grey case as I will with a red case, just a lot less expensive. I tell people to gear themselves based on the idea of having the best that you can afford.