What’s the deal with clones?

Recently saved enough money to purchase my first two pieces. Could not be happier and would like to continue collecting throughout my life.

What I cannot understand is the obsession with clones and reps especially with Rolex. I will not completely judge someone per se for buying them, to each their own. I have seen the subreddits dedicated to this.

I just personally do not understand the mentality of buying something (sometimes over a thousand dollars) that is not the real thing and then it not actually be worth anything at all, isn’t worth passing down to family. Is it trying to impress or they just like the look of the real thing? Cannot rationalize it myself and do not want to sound pretentious or judgmental.

Curious on thoughts and the future of the clone market as it pertains to Rolex.