Having purchased several crummy tripods, including a Sunpak tripod and pistol grip unit, I agree that you should buy what you need and spend the $$.
It all depends on what you need. You can easily make the case that you need several tripods if you do studio work and travel as well.
I ended up buying a Manfrotto 190 series (4 section) aluminum. It’s my main all around tripod, perhaps a little heavy for hikes up the mountain, but they do make a carbon fiber version. I also ended up buying a Manfrotto monopod which is awesome for sports and theater photography.
As far as heads go. Manfrotto heads are expensive. I don’t have any. I really like the “Joby ball head X” which is cheap, well made, and allows panning. I use arca style plates on everything and the Joby ball head meets the arca standard. I also use a long Joby Ultra plate on my body to allow me to mount the camera on a tripod without taking off my Black Rapid strap. I also use an arca style Delkin Fat Gecko quick releases on top of tripod/monopods. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BC3EL2C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=981773&gclid=CjwKEAiAw56lBRCs29jB9uOvkygSJADnD3-6J6QhRAdhz66uURlIfHk8IGekaP9yahg8bF0S-Z9QCxoCMlPw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details