In my experience it can go either way.
Take Nirvana Standard for example.
VERY inexpensive.
They have a version of mango that is called Papaya and is lovely.
They have a White Rhino knockoff that is powerful but carries the easy-to-herm trait. Especially bad for a noob, and even I had MAJOR problems with it.
There are some reputable breeders that are still selling very reasonably priced strains... under $100 USD for fabulous genetics.
I was very happy with the service I got ordering Subcool's stuff from cannaseur.com! And there's no argument that his and Jill's genetics are some of the best ANYWHERE.
(But I still am a sucker for bagseed beans from really nice smoke... shhhh... it's my dirty secret! )