Gorgeous Safari, always wanted one!!!
I am like you OP, and well like many on here.... But like you as I have just discovered this scene, and merely couldn't get over how accurate/unbelievable these reps looked that I just had to try one out to start (and compare it to a gen of mine) being the PAM 359.... After getting it , looking it over, then grabbing mine and comparing... It made me think, WHY SPEND THAT MONEY?!?! Well, then when you put on the genuine piece and wear it out, you just feel alright doing so, with the rep? Not so much, I feel like I have to hide it, and like i'm trying to be something i'm not... It helped me although with my decision on a black face rubberclad... Picked up a rep of it and loved the way it wore and fit, and eventually found a used one on TZ for a good deal and scooped it up, love it very much so and don't regret that one bit.
Congrats and enjoy