I think that's the way to look at it. I personally have this inexpensive BV model. Barring high pressures, its actually pretty good...but when I was running 110 PSI tires, I wasn't able to get anywhere near that...it was a workout just to get to 90.

I only use it on the road for emergencies or if I notice my kid's tires need topped off, but that's it. By the way, its got a little metal tab that folds out (presumably to steady the pump with your foot and use as a floor pump) but in practice it doesn't provide enough support for the forces involved when pumping to nearly 100psi. My only other complaint is that if you plan to use it to alternate between Presta and Shrader tubes, its a little tedious to switch over the valve.