That's a standard party line from wannabee photographers, so I'm pretty amazed that Chris stooped to use it.
Ummm so by your logic then, as the technology advances the pictures that have been taken on lesser gear all of a sudden become rubbish ??? I don't think so. I know plenty of pro shooters who use much worse gear than I have and take better pictures, so explain that is my "better" camera is supposed to help me take "better" pictures.
It's not a standard party line at all, but a realisation that taking great pictures is much harder than buying the best kit and pressing buttons.
I don't see the vast majority of serious photographers, pro or amateur, running around doing their shoots with iPhones.
Well of course not, professional photography, especially the type I do, is all about giving yourself the best chance to capture an image you see in your head. The better gear helps this happen quicker and more frequently. But it's not to say that a low megapixel iPhone is not capable of capturing a special moment that someone can hold dear for a lifetime. Which has to be the essence of everyday photography right ???
Cheers
Cris