Yes, indeed, brushes are not like these other things as they are very resistant to abuse from just normal use, and are one of the lower cost equipment.

And boar brush isn't the lowest cost either. The lowest short term cost is no brush and using a brushless cream, or even just oil.
I also don't recommend using hand soap just because it's the lowest cost, and who knows if one would like this type of shaving.

As far as punting, it should be pretty obvious that my response is the furthest thing from that. It asked for additional information, so that we can provide a recommendation that is actually appropriate and helpful to the person asking the question, instead of the recommendation being all about the responder.

Finally I do not understand how setting up a straw man argument is helpful. Nobody ever suggested that the most expensive equipment is necessary or recommended.