GB Spey,
It appears that you are saying that a $200 reel isn't a good reel, and an angler is at risk of losing fish by not spending more. Is that really what you mean? If so, it doesn't make sense. I have Hardys that run a little over $200 these days, and a Tioga at well under $200, and I haven't met the salmon or steelhead these reels would not land. Where's the insufficiency?
Everyone's free to spend as much as they want on their tackle, but it's disingenuous to suggest that there is any need to spend more, once the modest threshold for quality reels is attained.
Sincerely,
Salmo g.