I understand how you feel.
People involved in music have a reason to buy equipment because they use it for recording and live performances.
If only I had a "get-out-of-jail-free card" like that, I could buy the equipment I want without worrying...
It's understandable to feel troubled by such thoughts.
Actually, among guitar enthusiasts in the music industry, including those who work in music stores, there are many "pastime guitarists" who don't engage in musical activities but simply enjoy playing the guitar as a hobby. So I completely understand that feeling.
This is something that's easy to overlook, but in reality, these actions, including purchasing equipment, are done for the sake of playing the guitar as a "hobby," unless you're a professional.
Professional guitarists buy equipment for their "job," but we guitar enthusiasts buy equipment for our "hobby." It's for our hobby, for our own enjoyment. Whether or not we're involved in music activities, or how we use the equipment, doesn't restrict or matter in any way.
Traveling. Collecting watches. Engaging in fan activities. All of these are important hobbies for that person.