This threads been a really good read so far.
From my experience on the line from USPSA/IPSC, three gun matches, CQB matches, concealed carry classes, and agency qualifications, I can say that just because you have a high priced (insert brand here), doesn't mean it'll improve your skills.
Hell, on the three gun, CQB, and USPSA/IPSC lines I've seen Benelli shotguns choke, Staccato race guns fail to function, and rifles built for the races jam, and fail to function in any number of ways.
On those same lines, I've seen bone stock low end 1911s, wheel guns, mid range(and cheap) ARs, just keep chugging along.
Expensive gear doesn't shore up skills, just as unreliable gear doesn't improve skills either.
I've always just tried to shoot to my ability, and upgrade my guns as I go. Unfortunately, as we all know, that's the hard way, and expensive, but that's the curse of this hobby......
And now that I've told everyone what we already know, I'm off to be completely unproductive.....