Dallas,
It's all personal preference when it comes to costs.
I fished Shimano almost entirely for the first thirty years and then had some bad luck with the rear drag models. I tried a variety of different manufacturers and ultimately went back to the higher end Shimano's. I don't regret it one bit....
You can find them on Ebay auctions for almost 1/2 at certain times of the year if you have the time to work the auctions. I picked up 5 of the 6 that I own from there. I've paired them with Shimano Jackall Poison Adrena and Expride Rods which are Ci4 material.
Can't beat the smoothness, feather light weight or drags on them. Especially if you are serious about fishing and casting more than a few 100 casts per outing. They handle braids very well.
Price vs. Budget is always a factor. So everyone has their own personally preference in that regard. But, I'd rather sink $300-$400 into a set-up that is going to last than buy new rods and reels every few years. Spending that kind of $$ tends to make me extra careful not to break tips off while transporting or tossing rods around.
Nothing against Pflueger reels (I still have a few), but I like rods and reels that are paired for each other and Plueger rods are junk IMO. Even Shimano's low end rods (Convergence,etc) are good quality rods.
I will add if you sink that kind of money into gear you should also spend the few extra bucks each year to service them and make sure they last no matter what the brand.
