In a world where people are barely employed and gas is at a premium, some people still find the money to spend on modifications for their avatar. Does that seem a little, well, crazy to you?

Even though Wade doesn't have any real-life friends, or ever go outside, he's still self-conscious about his appearance. Maybe at this point he's subconsciously preparing himself for a shift to the real world, when he'll have less control over his physical appearance. And hey, he's gotta look good for Samantha.

This is another incentive to hunt for Halliday's egg. Even if you don't win the grand prize, the odds are good that you'll find a rare artifact, which can be sold for real dough. Well that's handy.