Every time I read: "$$ optic was just as good as $$$$ optic", my 1st thought is, "When was the last time you had your eyes examined?" My next thought is, "Are you looking through Polycarbonate lenses, the shyttiest material you can put in front of your eyes?".
Basically, if you say you can't see the difference between say $250-$500 glass and Alpha glass, it's most likely because you can't see very well to begin with.
A pard bought the Fury's 2-3yrs ago. They're optically on-par with $250-$400 binocs.
I also think a lot of those reviews are from looking at mounts at Sportsman's Whorehouse with brand new clean glass or maybe one sunny afternoon on the hill.
Alpha glass has never really been much "clearer" than average glass to me, until dirt and grime gets on the lenses, you're staring through them for hours at a time and dim light comes into play.
Individual eyes are a factor too but I think a lot of folks giving "nearly equal" reviews haven't spent much field time with alpha glass.
