I agree to an extent, but in my experience, it's often the connectors used on power leads that make most of the difference, and good quality IECs and mains plugs will generally cost more than the wire itself used on a power lead.
Marco.
Totally, good connectors and good cable preparation are essential. However, if you wish to invest a little time, you can make a jolly good mains lead for less than £20. I certainly dont think you would get better unless you spend at least £50 on a commercial item.
I think it's about time we gave you a trade account, dude. You made a reference to it when you first joined, but then the notion got somewhat 'waylaid'.