I buy kit that is way too advanced for my level, pretty much the top of the range stuff that suits my game (low middle on the bat for our lifeless wicket). I buy only GN kit and Adidas for shoes and clothing as they do our team kit. I do this because luckily I have enough money and not many other expensive interests and also I hate not having matching kit. I don't like having dirty kit either. I know it is silly and won't make a difference to how my elbow stays high etc but if I think psychologically, if I feel I look good I get a little boost. I don't think someone with mis-matched kit is any worse, probably a decent player who doesn't need an ego boost through kit.
For keeping I get the top of the range gloves because I assume if they are for test players they have the best protection for my hands so minimise knocks that could stop me playing. Having said that I am currently rubbing ibuprofen gel into my finger in the hope it will be OK for the weekend after a nasty blow at nets. Maybe cheaper gloves would have resulted in a more serious injury, maybe not.
I didn't play senior cricket until I was 28 (4 years ago) so when I got back into it I had to buy everything. At that point I looked at all the gear and plumped for GN and have stuck with it ever since, so luckily I have only had to buy most things once.
I totally agree with you on the matching kit, I prefer to have my kit looking the same as it looks smarter. Feeling comfortable in and with your kit is psychologically very important as if you trust your kit then you are more likely to relax and be able to just play the game. There are plenty of other sports and famous sports stars that are like this.
Jenson Button (Formula 1)- is always trying to perfect the set up of his car to find the perfect balance
Phil Taylor (Darts)- Phil is always trying different materials and shapes for his darts as he's constantly looking for the perfect dart for his action
Neymar (Football)- he is one of the top Nike contracted players and is payed to market the Nike Hypervenom Phantom II, however he isn't comfortable in the Hypervenom Phantom II so recently he's been seen wearing the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV but the colour schemes on the upper have been made to look like the Hypervenom as he is contracted to advertise the Hypervenom range.
Being comfortable in your sports kit is in my opinion the most important thing