> It wasn't for the sake of progress, it was for the sake of profits. Making something almost as good that costs half the price is what the US has been doing for the last 30 years. After 30 years of "almost as good," turned in to absolute shit when compared to the older stuff.

Where does people preferring to purchase cheaper furniture fit into this?

I can afford furniture that lasts 100 years, but I have no desire to. I would rather spend that money in other ways. My IKEA stuff lasts plenty long.