Proraso is one I don't classify as expensive. At $11 shipped to your home on ebay. Of course I might be slipping down the hole.
Proraso is not too expensive just double the cost of skin bracer, acqua velva, barbasol and several others.
I agree, it's not on the level of those and Pinaud (which are my favorites). I, honestly haven't tried Proraso, but want to soon. I'm still enjoying AV, OS, Clubman, FW and a bunch of Avon. My absolute favorite is Special Reserves from Pinaud.