I have only been on this forum for a couple of months and have only been DE shaving for a similar time.
I would assume though the scent v performance v cost is a debate that has come up many times over.
I paid 79p for an Arko stick at a local Turkish store. I used it twice and it really lathers superbly - certainly get bang for my buck on a cost v performance point of view. But then we bring scent into the equation.
I know people like it, but for me it smells of urinal cakes. As much as I accept the argument that it's all about the quality of shave and I can address scent using Aftershave/Cologne, I simply don't wish to endure that stench during the shave.
For me, the shave itself is a nice experience and personally I prefer to enjoy that experience with creams and soaps that don't bother me and preferably they are scents that I actually love the smell of.
I'd much rather stick with the more expensive, yet far nicer smelling, soaps and creams such as Jermyn Street, Grafton, Eton College to name just a few of my favourites in my rotation.
Besides, much of my cost comparison is based on my old habits pre-DE/Traditional shaving. Back then, I'd think nothing of spending £3-£5 on a can of Gillette gel which might last a month-6 weeks. Even my most expensive cream purchase so far (T&H Grafton@£18) will probably give a better shave to cost ratio than 'canned gloop'.
OK, sure I can reduce that ratio even more if I resorted to the options listed here, but frankly I don't like or enjoy the smell and I'd sooner pay a premium (but still more cost efficient than my 1st 20 years of shaving) for a pleasant experience and scent during my shaves.