Fit and finish is about the only real noticable difference that I can see,but that is only worth so much to me though, and not 2-3x more. Higher end 1911s are sure nice, but I doubt I would ever own one. I personally put more value in performance than cosmetics. To me a $900 1911 does everything a $3000 one does and I wont be afraid to shoot it, or worry about holster wear ect.
I kinda have a limit on what i spend on(tools)and just cant see owning one that is too nice to use.
A gold plated shovel will never see dirt. (AKA- safe queen).
