Just lately I've been coming around to the train of thought, that a bass is just a tool to do a job. Obviously choose the right tool for the right job, but a tool nonetheless.
I've always had to sell to be able to buy and upgrade, and I think I have some nice basses, but I think it's because I sold [i]the bass that I would never sell[/i], to help fund my custom build. I'm not totally devoid of emotion for my basses, but it's quite liberating in a way not to be beholden to brand loyalty or sentiment.
Having said all that, when I get my custom Shuker (designed to my exact spec) I'll probably have a change of mind