I understand that feeling.
People who are active in music have a "reason to buy equipment" because they use that equipment for recording and live performances.
If I had such an "exemption," I could buy the equipment I want without worrying...
I wish I had that kind of "exemption" so I could buy the equipment I want without worrying about it....
In fact, there are many "pass-time guitarists" in the music industry, not to mention music stores, who are not involved in musical activities, but love to play guitar as their hobby. So I understand that feeling very well.
It's easy to overlook the fact that, unless you are a professional guitarist, you are doing these activities, including the purchase of equipment, for the "hobby" of playing the guitar.
Professional guitarists buy equipment for "work," but we guitar enthusiasts buy equipment for our "hobby. We guitar enthusiasts buy equipment for "hobby" and for our own enjoyment. There are no restrictions on whether or not you play music, or how you use the equipment, and it doesn't matter.
We go on trips. Collect watches. Doing a "guessing game". All of these hobbies are important to the person.