"Yes, the dies themselves are fine. By the time I bring them up to my standards Lee dies aren't the bargain any more."
I am seriously curious what you do to a die. Really. Please explain.
The Lee lock rings suck. They do not clamp to the die. Without a clamping lock ring, the die setting is lost when removed from the press and at the least requires confirming the setting when re-installed. (Some folks will dispute this but the bottom line is with no positive lock, the setting can be easily lost.)
So, I replaced all the lock rings on the Lee dies. Of course, if you use the Lee Breech Lock, or Turrets, the Lee lock rings are fine. Just set the die and hawg down on the lock ring against the Breech lock bushing or turret. Of course, you are then buying extra stuff for the dies and increasing the cost of your die set.
I do not care for the Lee storage boxes. I prefer RCBS or Redding. Works with my storage. My choice.
So, by the time i buy lock rings and storage box as well as pay extra shipping, I have come close to the cost of other dies that come set up the way i like. Also, I was finding difficulty getting lock rings as many vendors would be out and i would have to compromise or wait. Time I would rather not waste.
i could drill and tap the Lee lock rings for a set screw, but i really prefer split lock rings.
My choices and my idiosyncrasies. Adequately explained?