there are other good choices - and many just don’t want or need more expensive tires
but better for less $$ - probably not too many (?) - but it can depend on the individual rider and conditions
most of the tires that perform at Conti’s top level tires will have similar cost
In my own experience, I cannot feel any difference between "top level" tires and mid-level tires. I have compared top of the line Vittoria Open Corsas with mid-level Vittoria Rubino Pros. I cannot feel a difference.
I can however feel a difference between mid-level tires and entry level budget tires. I guess it's true what they say about diminishing returns.