I know it’s probably not the opinion you’re looking for but I want to let people know why people go with lycra and high end stuff.

Because it makes the hobby so much nicer. Bib shorts decrease discomfort a lot, riding in a sweaty warm cotton t-shirt is also not fun. A good bike weighs a lot less than something you already have (and I’m not talking weight weenie, oh this weighs 500g less so I will dump all my money into it).