Good points, but sometimes the pricey upgrades aren't always necessary depending on your climate or roof type. For instance, upgraded underlayment might be essential in wet or snowy regions but could be overkill if you're somewhere dry and sunny most of the year. I've seen people overspend on premium flashing materials when standard options would've held up just fine for decades. It's all about matching the materials to your specific conditions rather than assuming pricier automatically means better longevity...
Totally agree—matching materials to your local conditions is key. I've had owners insist on high-end ridge vents when basic ones would've done the job just fine, especially in milder climates. On the flip side though, sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save headaches later. Had a property once where the owner skimped on flashing around skylights... ended up with leaks after just a few years. So yeah, pricier isn't always better, but cutting corners in the wrong places can bite you later.
I ran into a similar issue when we redid our siding. Got one quote that was through the roof (pun intended), and another that seemed suspiciously cheap. Ended up going with the cheaper option thinking we'd scored a deal... but they used lower-quality wrap underneath, and a few years later we had moisture issues. Lesson learned: it's not always about the highest or lowest bid—it's about knowing exactly what you're getting and why. Sometimes middle-of-the-road really is the sweet spot.
Been there myself—it's tricky, isn't it? Did you get a detailed breakdown of materials and labor from each contractor? Sometimes asking more questions upfront can save headaches later... hindsight's always 20/20 though.
I ran into something similar last year when redoing our bathroom. One bid was way higher, and it turned out the cheaper guy hadn't included waterproofing materials clearly. Always worth double-checking what's actually covered... learned that one the hard way.