I love a bargain it's true. It's also true I will buy multiple iterations of cheap items eventually spending more than the tried and tested brand would've cost me.
But I suppose a lot depends upon where the thrill is. If it's in the chase, the journey, rather than the kill, the destination, then there is value in the hunt itself.
I've learned that price is the single most misleading factor in bass quality. Largely because it's so utterly subjective. Bloke A couldn't care less about certain elements that bloke B considers of absolutely paramount importance.
My top 5 basses include a few retailing easily for in excess of a thousand pounds but also the cheapest Harley Benton I've ever bought.