Since the thread was brought up again ...
I am a very conservative person, but on this topic I have to swing the other way by saying, "Just do what feels good, man!"
You already know the facts: you know it won't last as long, you know you'll have to treat it with rain repellant once in awhile, you know its cheaper ...
I have a $15 wool fedora from Burlington Coat Factory that I literally try to abuse, but so far it has lasted. At $15 I treat it like a ball cap. I wear it when I play with or walk my dogs, when my neice is around (4 year old who'll immediately grab my hat, slam it on her head, and run around like mad), and even in light rain.
AND It looks pretty good. Even my untrained eye can tell it is not a "nice" hat, but this "test run" hat gives me a feel for style and size of crown and brim (for instance, it has a 2.5" brim and I can tell from it that I could not go any smaller).
You also mentioned not wanting to go out with garbage on your head. Honestly? Most people cannot tell what hat is junk and what is nice. Mine is 15 stinking dollars and I get more compliments on the hat because of its style than any other hat I own (and I haven't worn ball caps for years). Anything that your spending $30-50 on (your numbers), should look decent enough to make you happy.
Sorry if I'm ranting or rambling, but some are a bit snobbish about this. In summary I say why not? If, as you said yourself, you're low on money, then just buy what you can afford and enjoy the heck out of it! :fedora:
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