Can't we apply the analogy of " a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" to cables?

If all my cables are expensive gold braided 10 gauge the quality decreases with every component that has copper or nickel connectors right?

and vice versa with a $20k system if i'm using standard 18ga. wire i degrade the sound everytime i run the wires between components.

so we match the cables with the system, if you bought a $200 system from the store use those 24ga. wires it comes with, its not going to sound better with $200 worth of cables.