Just my opinion, but I think that quality tools make all the difference, regardless of the project - or hobby - you're working on. For woodworking, if I had to go back to my original Sears table saw, I would prefer to get out of the hobby altogether. I have used, for many years a Delta 5HP with Biesemeyer fence that is dead on. The Delta cost more, but it is money well spent.
Likewise with spray painting. Not all that long ago, I used spray cans and got mixed results that depended greatly on the ability of the can/nozzle to get paint out. Then I tried a mid level Paasche air brush. It was much better than the cans, but the results were not what I was looking for. Since that time, I've acquired two Harder & Steenbecks (one with a .15 mm needle and the other with a .4 mm needle). I also have an Iwata HP-C Plus with a .3 mm needle. While the ABs cost more, the results are well worth the price of admission. I know what each brush is capable of and I know that I will get the same results every time
Years ago, I had an inexpensive single action, external mix brush and tired the air cans. The results were horrendous, and, I suspect, if I tried that combination again, I would still get horrendous results. I wonder how many people are turned off to a hobby, or and aspect of a hobby, because they bought cheap equipment for it and never had the chance to know it could be easier - and fun?
I'm not suggesting that every beginner go out and buy a $200+ air brush from the start. There is a learning curve that some people may not get past and they will then have wasted that money. However, once you get past the learning curve - and over the intimidation factor that is inherent with air brushes - then I think most people will go and buy the higher end brush anyway.
As someone once said: "A good tool makes a job easier, but a bad tool make the job a chore."