I'm a newbie and I 'fessed up as such. I don't have the knowledge and experience you guys have, but I can still like reps. Passion? yeah, I'll grow into it. I want what I buy to perform as it should, period.
On the Invicta jibe - that could apply to watches costing way more than the 8296, which is even worse. There are plenty of 'homages' out there touching $1000 which strikes me as a lot sadder than buying a good rep.
'Damn happy to be here' - yes, I guess I am. For now.