you sound like a conceded asshole writing this.
you honestly think that people spend thousands of dollars on gear because they have a big ego? hell no. some people are so dedicated to shooting that it's just something that they do, it's part of their life.
what you're saying is comparable to saying, "whenever someone goes skiing in saga or on twin tips its just like, who cares? it's not about the gear, it's about the skiing." i don't think that's true at all. the way you dress, the skis you ride, the gear you bring, and the decision to bring a camera up and shoot your friends or yourself, it's all a form of expression. it's a way to take what you and your friends do and express it to the world, and show everyone what skiing is about.
honestly ask yourself, without cameras and skiing, do you think that riding would progress like it is? people see edits daily, and they say, "that was cool, i want to try that" or, "that was awesome, i want to go skiing there". cameras are immensely helpful in spreading the skiing "ways", and, IMO, they're a vital part of the sport.
if you don't like cameras, we can't change that, but don't go whining on newschoolers in M&A just because you have such a problem with people filming and shooting. go ski somewhere else, ignore it, it's not hurting you, so don't be an asshole to the people who love it.