I buy what I want based on how it feels to me and stands up to what I put it through. If a $50 rod works and works well, it doesnt hurt my feelings that it only cost $50.
I also want to have baits that effectively cover the situations that I want to fish. One brand certainly isnt going to cover it all nor is one style. I want a crank with a tight wobble, one with a wide searching wobble, one that sinks, one that suspends, one that floats. I want a spinnerbait that looks like an arig coming through the water, I want another that mimics one single fish. I want a topwater that walks the dog, one that pops, one that gurgles, one that buzzes...
My point is, I know what I want to do and for me I can take a recommendation about what might do it however that doesnt mean I run out and buy that exact item.