I think the benefit of reading the thoughts on ERE is you can possibly redefine what amount of spending is "ridiculous". I used to think $7k/year was ridiculous. I don't think it's for me, but I also don't think it's ridiculous anymore. I would have also thought spending $14k/mo was ridiculous before listening to some other voices. Now, while I don't think it's for me I also don't think it's ridiculous (or fancy) anymore.
Seeing the extremes in a different light helps us reduce the effect of "of COURSE!" thinking. We all get to define that for ourselves, but I think it's helpful that we're open to redefining it too.
Silly little example: Jacob recommends buying used older high quality furniture on Craigslist because if you ever need to sell it you'll likely get what you bought if for. I'd never thought of that! Right now, I have my coffee on a small "poolside table" I got from my friend from his parents house when they moved. I could have easily bought a fancy $10k table to do the job, but I actually love this table and where it came from. I call it my "Sweeney Heirloom", named after him. I think of it as one of the fanciest things I own!