A lot of it is probably smoke and mirrors. The same as a real estate salesman driving around in a six year old BMW and wearing the street Rolex. Its like a hive mentality. If other people like this, I will too!!
Coming from a no sale hack author, I have to say the Zoe Winters, JA Konraths, and Jeremy Robinsons are the exception and not the rule.
That being said, one day I will put something for sale and become a billionaire. Then you all can live in my basement.
If I had to live off my royalties, I'd be under the bridge eating bag lunches from charity organizations and churches.