Yup, we've all had buyer's remorse.
I once paid $30 for a fair Cannondale MTB. Once I got it home, $10 was more fitting.

$60 sounds a bit high for the level of equipment and condition of the bike. Surprisingly, cheap spokes (ie. galvanized or plated) are used more often than you'd expect. A Trek 830 and Bianchi Nyala MTB that I fixed, both didn't have SS spokes. The Trek spokes are rusting. And get a rub down with steel wool when required. A coat of wax will help, or spray them with clearcoat or paint.

Definitely stick with SS spokes. As the years and miles build, they are the only ones that last and stay looking nice. Blingy chromed Ridelli spokes I got talked into are now rusting and dull. Black spokes get dinged and look like ass.