I agree that Lee equipment is generally not as good as most of the others, but they offer a few unique items (like the collet neck die) that are excellent in function. If Redding or Forster offered a similar product, I am confident it would be better made and of superior materials and I'd be all over it.
I don't compete, but if I did I'm pretty sure I'd be using high-dollar stuff...but I just hunt a little and love to play at the loading bench to see what I can do with my hunting rifles.
I guess it just all depends on approach, purposes, and objectives.
