You are so right Buddy. The Himminbird I have, when I received it, was the top of the line. When looking at sonar, I don't think you should skimp. However, they are coming way down in price.
I think the ones that give you both the arches and the little fish are the way to go.
Arches are a little more reliable.
Sorry you had bad luck with Humminbird, I had bad experienses with Bottom Line.
Like I said, I have had FANTASTIC luck with mine. I do feel most people mount them too deep on their pontoons and that will effect a true reading. Mine is mounted to be in about an inch of water. In fact, I can pull my pontoon out of the water and it will not drag. It tells me where the fish are hanging, and if I am doing everything right (right line/fly/presentation) then I get the fish.