I'm like PytnPlace. My Le Creuset Dutch ovens are permanently on my stove. They get used ALL the time. This weekend I made a fabulous batch of French onion soup per
Cook's Illustrated and don't think I'd have had the great results I had if I'd used anything other than my Le Creuset. Used my little LC skillet for this morning's pork sausage at breakfast time.
I, too, never pay full retail for my pieces. I bought my little skillet for 99 cents at one of eBay's "last minute" auctions. After shipping, I think it was less than $10. How great is that?!
IMO this cookware is 100% worth the price. I am trying to figure out what I want to buy next.