That is a dull justification.
If someone makes 12,000 a year buying high end gear should be near the bottom of their priority. You don't need a nemesis mod, or a few hundred dollar RBA.. There are many great $20-50 mech mods, and $20 RBA's..
Thats like saying fake Rolex and Breitlings allows everyone to own a watch...
Let me rephrase that highlighted sentence.
"Thats all I mean, it lets everyone have mech mods that are aesthetically pleasing to them."
When I bought my first mech mod, I bought it from a B&M store near me.
It was a nemesis clone.
Did I know who makes the original one? Yes
Did I know the price? Yes
I still liked the look of it and had 100 dollars in my pocket for a mech kit.
I like the designs, I own mech mods that are authentic too (recently). Why did I buy them? Aesthetics and functionality. Warranty is a huge plus.
A lot of mods are designed over seas and I can order from the Phillipines, Greece. That is the same as sending money to China - doesn't remain in the US.
Clones are widely available in the U.S too which is why vapers have them. Also, they aesthetically please them. If authentic prices were lower - they would be bought. But they have to be IMPORTED.
Not too many USA mods (that I have seen) are aesthetically pleasing and still functional.
Also -
Rolex is made in Sweden
Breitling is Swiss
.....
I also don't believe our vaping has a big effect on the economy, while there is some and every little bit helps.
All the juices I buy are made in the US and I support local B&M stores.