It's not like it was a necklace made out of Macaroni

So I just deleted one of my entries from yesterday because I realized that it was a bit too harsh. The substance of the post was a tirade about why you shouldn't knit for non-knitters. I guess I had to learn my lesson the hard way and even though I might not stop knitting for my friends/family I will adjust my expectations of what response I get. Really, it is about the giving and not about the pat on the back in the end. No one, not even another knitter, can really now about all that you put into a piece, even if it is a dishcloth.

For those of you that didn't read my post yesterday, and I hope that was most of you, I'll give you a small recap. I think that my experience has a good discussion value.

I recently completed a scarf that I found to be rather challenging. The recipient was grateful and appreciative and all; however, when the recipient showed the scarf to one of her friends the resulting comment that it looked "like an expensive one, not one that was homemade." This incensed me even though I could see in intended compliment of quality. It is from the same type of person who would say "why make it when you can buy one in the store."

What do others think? Am I too sensitive about my knitted products? What are the elements of value? Why are people ashamed of having something homemade in the first place? When did the "store bought" items become the desired items? Is it a class issue? Why is homemade an insult but handmade is a compliment?