'It all depends on what level of performance you demand.'
In reality, you should always try to have the best instrument and accessories you can manage regardless of your level of competence and this includes maintenance. You do not accept an obviously faulty critical part because you're just a beginner or just a hobbyist - you always strive to have all parts of your set-up to be in optimal condition regardless of origin. This is because you mentally must have confidence that the equipment is fully functional so you will realize that any problems have originated with the player. IOW you need to eliminate 'Is it me or the sax/mouthpiece/reed/whatever?' by having everything in order. Doesn't have to be the finest or most expensive, just has to be able to do what it was designed to do.