I hear ya. The thing is, I can buy two of the off brands for what a used red/blue seems to cost. I'm usually the guy who's telling folks what you're telling me.
I guess its like alot of things, how soon you need it and if you're willing to put in some time looking. I've seen some SCREAMING deals on Miller and Lincoln welders on Craigslist.
But then again, I'm the guy with two welders in my garage...one I havent used in 6 years and the other I've yet to use.