I think that overall, I have been more satisfied with my purchases of so called “cheap seeds” over the years, than I have been with buying premium priced seeds.
I suspect that it boils down to expectations.
The less expensive the seeds, the lower the expectation of discovering an outstanding plant in a pack… Subliminally or otherwise.
About 17 years ago I started buying up many of Nirvana’s catalog offerings. I knew that many (Nirvana seeds) were simply knock-offs of other breeders work. But they were all very inexpensive, so I spent about 3 or 4 years growing out loads of Nirvana’s stock. Well, well, I found that some of Nirvana’s offerings were very worthwhile, regardless of the price. My favorites were ICE, Northern Lights, NLxHaze, and White Rhino. Even the worst Nirvana “strains” were, to me, better than many strains being offered by competitors at significantly higher prices.
For the past few years I have become particularly enamored of Mandala’s seeds, which are relatively cheap- 10 packs of regular seeds for under $50.
I am in the process of growing many Mandala strains…I have been satisfied by all thus grown, and intensely thrilled with a few.
I cannot vouch for any of Nirvana’s current offerings, as I have not grown any for over 10 years now.