Welcome John! Whether you collect fakes, real ones or driftwood each to their own.
Plus your preference surely means more real ones for me and everyone else after the real McCoy? So surprised at the negativity here.
I would say David makes a great point, there are many genuine badges out there that can be had for the same price (or less if lucky) than the fakes. Plus this is a good place to learn as there’s always the chance that £90 badge you think you can’t afford will pop up for far less on eBay or in a junk shop. I guarantee landing such a badge will be a bigger buzz than a dud especially when you know the history behind it.
Recently accrued a few duds in a couple lots I bought. They were destined for the bin but if you want them they’re yours (or anyone else that wants them) totally free. There’s a Northamptonshire Yeo, Int Corps, Royal Corps of Signals, Royal Devon Yeo RFA and Shropshire Yeo. Hopefully makes up for your less than warm welcome!
Cheers,
Luke