(fixed cost + maintenance cost)/(frequency of use) = actual cost
If the frequency of use is high, the retail cost between high-end and mid-ranged brands is negligible. i.e. not worth the hassle to mess around with QA on something unknown.
I always bought the kids Starrett or Mitutoyo stuff with the NIST certs. As wasting 1 hour of their time costs more than the high-end equipment.
It is kind of a tradition, but I'm sure there are more appropriate options for folks in different situations. =3