I'm kinda go either way, by what I mean is that sometimes I will by an expensive kit, i.e. Trumpeter or Hasegawa, an I will add either one or mulitple aftermarket parts or kits to the subject I am working. Very seldom will I buy a cheap kit, cause they are usually 72nd scale and very rarely do I build 72nd models.
But as always it is totally up too the modeler on what he or she wants to do the subject they are working, the economy, or what is out in the market for them to make that particular aircraft they want.
Stanton