Cartridges are very personal, like speakers. It's not always a case of paying more gets you something better. I bought my first DL103 as something to use whilst my very expensive Lyra was being rebuilt, and found that it did some things better than the Lyra, despite being a fraction of the cost. I'm currently using a Decca London Gold, because it's great fun to listen to, despite it's obvious shortcomings and it's theoretical incompatibility with my TT/Arm. If you are constantly worrying about the cost and fragility of your needle, you may be more reluctant to use it.