I'm going to sound a bit like an advert for Trend here, but so far in over twenty years of using their products I have always been happy with the value for money. I know what you mean though, on the face of it they do appear expensive, but so far the build quality has lasted the test of time. A couple of times I have gone for the 'cheaper' option and ended up buying trend, at the end of the day, when the 'cheaper' option had let me down
I think I will go and buy the lettering set and give it a go - I'll let you know what I think In a new post.
I'll probably get them next year at the Ally Pally show as I don't need them just yet and you never know they might have a special deal on. ( I doubt it though :? )