Are heavy-duty stainless steel sets worth the upcharge over cheap kits?

Across r/grilling, the consistent complaint about budget tongs is that they bend, misalign, or have handles that melt near the grill. Reviewers repeatedly recommend solid (not stamped) stainless construction and handles in the 16-to-18-inch range. Spending in the $30–$50 range typically gets you noticeably better tongs and a spatula that will outlast multiple seasons.