I have a Tom Brown T2 Tracker and a BOB Fieldcraft 154. Both very solid knifes. I just wish they had made the tracker sheath capable of being worn on a belt for right-handed carry, instead of only being able to wear it in scout carry if you're right-handed.
I agree, TOPS prices are bit steep. I was gifted the tracker, and saved for about a year to be able to buy the Fieldcraft. Are they better or worse than other companies? Personal choice. I see guys complain about a high cost knife who put a $2000 scope on a $1000 dollar rifle for that rig to collect dust in a safe, just something as a comparison.
I am a budget guy when it comes to knives for the most part, and most of my outdoor related gear. I have a bunch of Mora's that I have put through some very tough work, and they haven't flinched, everything from the low end 511's to their higher end Garbergs and many in-between. So, a knife doesn't need to cost a lot to be a great knife. I have knives ranging from $5 to $500 (the latter being a custom I won in a contest). If I wanted a knife for a serious SHTF situation, I may not grab the $5 knives, but have some in the $50 range I'd grab. For hunting and fishing, the Mora Companion is tough to beat at under $20. Joker makes some great knives as well, with a lot of models around $100 with great leather sheaths.
I have a lot of comparable knives quality wise to the TOPs, and they cost a lot less. I also have a few ESEE's, and even feel they are overpriced for what you get. Beckers are of the same quality, with a tad better grade steel and a lower price tag on many of the better models. Hard to beat a Becker BK16 as an all around camp/survival/tactical/hunting knife.