I agree 100%, Loop. But like the PC questions, I don't mind spending the $$, because it's my gear to be used freelance. Stuff to learn with, without having to replace at a later date due to upgrading.

The Sennheiser suggestion came from a friend who works in television. He doesn't really know much about low-end stuff, because his line of business doesn't usually worry about buying cheap shit apparently. He's been very helpful, but like the video editing questions, somewhat worthless because the equipment he's dealing with is broadcast quality - not so much pro-am looking to score a gig stuff.