Too true. .:R's are like dog shiit (gets everywhere) these days. There can't be any sense of achievement for those that choose to rent them.
Leasegate did put more R's on the road, than might have otherwise been, but the great reviews also played their part in that, as did good dealer discounts (of which I took advantage), and whilst that does reduce its exclusivity, it's certainly not to the degree that some make out, or are almost gleeful to believe, lol.
In any case, even if it's as common as the aforementioned dog sh!t, if it's the right car for me, I'll take it, regardless of how many are around.
For me, obtaining a certain car is not so much a sense of achievement, that comes through non monetary things, family and work. For instance last week I unexpectedly recieved an award from my Chief Exec for outstanding achievement and contribution to the organisation. Whilst I'm not normally one for all that kind of thing, it was nice to get it, and I felt a sense of achievement. Car-wise, the achievement is looking after it and keeping it nice.