Quote Originally Posted by Eric
I agree, and what I've been trying to say is that 9 times out of 10 the restlessness we feel isn't a desire for greater functionality -- it's really more of a desire for more novelty, which we lose once we know a piece of gear. It's a trap, and more bells and whistles only adds to the novelty and attraction of that next bit of gear.
I thought about this (warning!) a little more and there can be a few good reasons for more bells and whistles...
I'm looking into a really good, mid priced multi-effects system not for some endless chase for tone, but because I need/want several effects that will cost several times more if I buy individual pedals. Like many, my guitar budget is limited. A $200-$300 multi pedal would fulfill the missing gaps that allow me to create tones and soundscapes that are unavailable to me now. I could spend a $1000 or more for individual pedals, yet still wouldn't have as much to work with.

Same goes for any new player that doesn't know what effects they like or need, so a modeling amp or multi effects unit can do a good job for a small amount of investment.