Well that's not really true...

I recently upgraded my Windows computer, taking it from 4GB of RAM to 8 and a dual-core CPU to quad (with a slower clock speed...) and a much better graphics card, and despite running off of the same mechanical drive it just screams now! It's a noticeable difference in just opening Word or loading up a Flash game, too, not just when I fire up Skyrim or XCOM.

I think you're right that there is a point where specs only matter on paper or when bragging to your mates, but I think you underestimate where that threshold lies...

Dammit missed a closing tag in there...