It's not really about performance and quality when it comes to pickups. The QP is an excellent pickup and will certainly handle your needs, but it's not a Piledriver, or an Aldrich, or a set of Hayrides. You can get a lot done with the bigger companies, but if you wanted the sounds those particular boutique companies offer, then you will have to pay their price. $200 is not too ridiculous of a price to upgrade the single most important element in your guitar's tone, IMO. There's nothing wrong with their prices, and there's nothing wrong with a cheaper set of Duncans either, one is not better than the other. Duncan simply has the capacity to offer a product at a lower cost. The JB has long been my favorite humbucker, knocking BKPs and others out of the park. It's all about finding the sound in your head at the end of the day. QP will do you good man!