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I actually stumbled upon a post today that related. I think it very clearly establishes what I was trying to get at earlier. Albeit in a much clearer and well written manner:

The Great Debate: “Real” vs “Fake” Wheels
Ah so here we have a debate that has raged on between the aftermarket car culture for as long as I have been a member in the scene. A debate that stirs up the bubbling pot of opinionated modifiers who rise up from garages nation-wide, readily position themselves in front of social media outlets and let loose with teeth and claws exposed and anxious to battle to the death.

This is the battle between “Real” wheels and “Fake” wheels.

So first lets consider what makes a wheel “real” and another “fake.” And for God’s sake lets not be so condescending and start using the term “replica” from here on out. Would you rather me call your girlfriend skanky or scandalous? Exactly.

So we associate ourselves with many popular wheel manufacturing companies as we indulge into the culture of modifying our vehicles. You see them in video games on the ad banners along the walls of racetracks in popular titles of our early years. You see the names thrown around more often than Kreayshawn throws around Gucci Louis Fendi and Prada.

But I’m talking about BBS, Volk, Work, HRE, SSR, just to name a few. Please dont scorn me because I forgot your Gram Lights, VIP Modulars, Enkeis, CCWs, or whatever. They are all reputable name brands. And please don’t even use the V-word on me. *cough* Vossen *cough cough* because I will save the subject of Vossen for another day and another post. These are the wheels that we drool over, photoshop on our cars, inquire about, decide to buy, flake out on, and maybe even toggle between if you are a particular indecisive buyer (you guys know who you are). But these brands come with a hefty price tag compared to a vast majority of wheels available on the market.

So you have companies such as Rota, Varrstoen, and XXR, only to name a few, that are widely known as replica wheel manufacturers. Notable styles include Volk TE37 (Varrstoen ES2), Work Equips (XXR 968), and BBS LM (Many Replicas!) but the list is nearly endless. Now in no way shape or form am I knocking people who simply own the wheels. One side of me is quick to say “(Insert Rep Wheel Manufacturer) WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A WHEEL JUST TO KNOCK ON (Insert "Real” Wheel Manufacturer)?!“ The answer can be summed up in one word: Money. Replica wheel manufacturers are quite intelligent actually. Why? Lets take a look.

How old are you? Yeah you. Reading right now. Are you between the ages of 17-25? That covers a vast majority I’m sure. Now how many of you reading this have pockets deep enough to buy me a set of Weds Kranze LX-Z’s?! That’s what I thought. So my first point is that the Replica manufacturers are targeting the majority of the market:
-Those who are not wealthy enough to spend $3k-$5k on wheels.
-Those who want the most bang for their buck, and are so ambitious and want to do 6 other mods as soon as possible.
-Those who want wheels that look nice, comfortably priced, because they roll, and get them from point A to B but allow them to personalize their ride.

That being said, for those of you who hate Reps with a burning passion, don’t hate the company, maybe point the finger at the ones who bite the hook and buy them.

Or maybe you shouldn’t point the finger at all. Before you release the Kraken of "Rep-Wheel-Rage,” lets think about this too. First I will say, it is not your car. Some people don’t care about name brand. Some people just want a set of wheels that simply look good and appeals to them and their ride. Maybe someone is inspired by Work Meisters but decides to pick up the new Varrstoen Meister reps because they can’t afford Meisters. Maybe they have rent and a car payment and tuition and insurance to pay. Maybe, while still being involved in the scene, they don’t live it, breathe it, eat it, or are consumed by it. Maybe they have other aspirations in life besides cars. Think about that. Not everyone is made of money and not everyone cares about name brand. Simply put, if it looks good, it looks good. No denying that. And if someone would rather have a great looking car without a laundry-list of brand names on their mod list, so be it.

Now here are TWO things that bother me. They are self-explanatory. No need for elaboration. This is where I will criticize Replica owners and have no remorse.

1) Do NOT bitch and moan when you experience your Replica wheels breaking, cracking, shattering, or imploding. You get what you pay for and there is more strength and quality in the name brand wheels because of how they are made, whether specialized casting or forged processes.

2) DO NOT, EVER, put stickers or center caps on your replica wheels and pretend that they are the real thing. If you do, you my friend, care way to much about what others think of you, and you should have saved your pennies and purchased real wheels.

Embrace who you are, and why you make the decisions you make. If you can only afford cast wheels, whether replicas of others or not, don’t be ashamed that you don’t have real, baller wheels. Embrace that name brand isn’t your top priority, and that you simply like how those wheels look and that it fits your budget. Your car is an expression of you, but it isn’t something to lose any sleep over. Also, be humble, because some people do work very hard for their quality name-brand wheels. And to you, “real” wheel owners, stay humble as well. Some people don’t have the money, and some people just want to enjoy and modify their car, however it fits their budget. Don’t look down on those who have less…

Just look down on people that pretend and pose, like those who meet #1 or #2 above. That pisses me off too.

I’m just keepin’ it real, wheely real

Tyler Laabs

Source: The Car Culture Chronicles ? The Great Debate: "Real" vs "Fake" Wheels