Er... did you just say "people don't buy based primarily on price"? Because that contradicts pretty much everybody else...
(Yes, brands have an influence, people buy Vertu phones, but Walmart has a lot more customers.)
Just reviewed my message and no, I don't believe I did. Do let me know if I missed it though!
Hell, even look at legal, non-recreational drugs. There can be an identical generic version. There can be an accredited medical professional standing right there saying "they're the same thing" and people will still opt for name brand.
I'm certain that if drugs were legalised, all that extra cost from being illegal would go straight in to marketing budgets and people will be buying the lsd equivalent of $300 bottles of wine or vodka that comes in creative packaging.