Re:
They are not that expensive really, plenty of other headsets BETTER designed and machined and more expensive, Some of the top end Cane Creek headsets are more money, Phil Wood etc.
One of the flaws in the CK design is the lack of top race compression ring. I've seen steerers scored by CK headsets to the tune of not being safe!-- You can buy a conversion kit which needs the taper filing off the top race and a compression ring inserted, surprised CK have never done this, but then that would be an admission the original design was flawed.
I've also found when they have been inserted a few times, the insertion flanges get compressed and fit can then become pretty slack, virtually hand press fit.
Most of the CC made headsets like FSA Orbit XL11 extremes are pretty good and the beauty of the bearings is they are cheap and easy to replace, I've had these last many years without a problem