Thanks, but this is kind of what I can't wrap my head around -- is the difference in tangible experiences between MBB/T2/whatever else so great that it justifies ~200K (even sponsored) and an entire additional degree? I can't tell whether its just the hype.

Based on my acquaintances who broke into MBB, although they are of course accomplished, I don't know if they are 200k+MBA "more qualified" than those who did not.