The problem is that we are missing the proof of this supposed quality difference. Price does not necessarily imply quality (branding is much more of a factor).

The problem is that we are missing the proof of this supposed quality difference. Price does not necessarily imply quality (branding is much more of a factor). Even if price did imply quality for certain brands, the question would be how much more qualitative? Will it hold 10x more wash cycles or last 10x longer? In which case a consumer could make an actually informed decision on quality vs. price.