Three very valid points. Firstly, the new term is "Contractor" As in, "private military type".
Secondly, and this is not so funny, but "Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it". You can always pull worthless stuff off of your weapon. You can always use someone else's gear who was less fortunate than you, but better equipped. Lastly, on this one, how many times have people gone to war with the latest and greatest to find out, "some stuff works, other stuff doesn't." Why people emulate what they see. They want the best.
Which brings us to the last reason. Why people emulate what they see. Because they want to be the best. The psychological advantage, of being better equipped, and having the other guy see you that way. For what it's worth, most of the time, the psyche factor can decide whether or not someone is going to try and ruin your day. having worked the street in dress uniform, and tac uniform, I can say that Tac officers command a much higher level of respect. Of course, they have to be able to lift their body wieght plus gear, and run, and are generally in better shape than their uniformed counterparts. Of course, when people are going for the edge, they emulate what they believe will make the greatest impression.
In the past 2 years, I put on about 40 lbs. Got fat, got lazy. Got old. The most tactical thing you can do? Stay in shape. Best defense for SHTF I can think of. I am kicking myself badly for becoming an armchair warrior. Luckily, I have to go back to work for a little while, at least. May get an opportunity to shave a few lbs in the process. And that, my friends, is really what tactical is all about.