Are budget routers like SKIL and AVID POWER worth it?

Verified-purchase reviewers and beginner woodworking communities generally find budget routers good value for light and hobby work, with the SKIL fixed-base earning particularly strong marks. However, high-trust subreddit threads warn that SKIL plunge bases can feel flimsy and that very cheap compact routers should be reserved for light cuts and 1/4-inch shanks.