Case study: My bro-in-law is a 'pro' in that he has competently shot many commercial assignments, events, weddings, etc over a couple decades. Not that he needs the money.
On film, he used Bronica and Minolta. Gone digital, he uses Sony FF and Olympus compacts. He also collects hundreds of valuable vintage cameras, but that's another story. Anyway, he never brags about his gear, never dishes anyone else's gear, etc. (He'll deride their politics instead.) Of course he pays close attention to his equipment -- tools are important. But the results are what counts, what he gets paid for, what ANY pro gets paid for. Someone who values tools more than results is NOT professional.