Can't speak for anyone but myself, but I believe it's pretty common to buy a lower-priced 1911 (or any pistol, really) and then start putting money into it, to make it shoot better, look better, feel better, etc.. I did put too much $ into my RIA 9mm, didn't like the parkerized finish, so had it cerekoted. Didn't like the tiny GI sights, so had gunsmith install better, more easily visable straight 8 sights..'course needed to changer the grips, etc.. Soon I'd put about as much into that pistol as I'd paid for it.
A few years later, I also found what I wanted, ( & would have liked to buy in the first place ) a Springfield Loaded Target in 9mm. Found it on Gunbroker, my 1st purchase using that site. Guy who sold it described it accurately, and sent about 4 extra mags he had for it. I was happy.
I understand I'll probably never get the $ I've put into the RIA out of it in a sale, but the mods I did made it a better looking (IMO) and shooting pistol,
so it's not like it was wasted. Just a learning experience, so sorts. One I feel is pretty common for those on this site.
added: a Springfield Loaded for $ 675.00 was a nice find & buy, IMO.