I've gone both routes in my life, and find that if you're serious about making quality meals, high quality stainless makes a big difference in the plated results.
That being said, buying a high quality set can set you back many hundreds in a hurry, which at one time in my life I had that money available.
Now what I have done is not worry too much about a matched set, but buy high quality pieces as I need them from tjmaxx or home goods.
Good starter pieces are a couple of different size sauce pans with lids.
A 10 inch and 12 inch skillet. Probably with lids to reduce spatter while sauteeing and simmering.
A 10 to 12 inch square cast iron pan with just a small lip for an edge is perfect for eggs and steaks . Do not buy off brand cast iron, it's too porous and food bits get stuck forever.
Buy other pieces as needed like a good wok, stock pots, etc. Of course it comes down to what you use your cookware for most that helps you decide what is important.
But as we know, trying to help can go horribly wrong 😆🤣
