I think your choice my be linked to the type of Hob you are cooking on (Gas, Electric, Induction etc)
I have an induction hob and have used Le Creuset 3ply S/S for the last 8 years and been happy with the Saucepans, as for the frying pans I think they are terrible and warp very easily
I use a Le Creuset Toughened Non Stick stir fry pan and that is excellent and a cast iron skillit to cook steaks in
Budget wise I've built my set up over the years through sales and EBay to try and keep the cost down