that's not true - it's also common in Canada and Japan

status-seeking isn't inherently bad or good, depends who's appreciation you are seeking

I think it just sounds like a fun game to be honest. By a goofy little overengineered piece of jewellery. Buy a bunch of them and join the club. Compare to your friends. Reminds me of pokemon cards on the school playground...

ah the classic "most people are mere sheep, unlike us Great Minds"

So what? We want to be the strongest. The principle is not 'dont spy', the principle is 'dont spy on ME'.