Sure, but now you're just showcasing a different skill set that has high survival utility, namely cognitive ability. My hypothesis is that complex cognitive ac

Sure, but now you're just showcasing a different skill set that has high survival utility, namely cognitive ability. My hypothesis is that complex cognitive activities are one way humans measure fitness as a mate. Conspicuous consumption implies, "Hey, not only was I able to acquire all of this shiny stuff, I have so much I can afford to use it on useless things."