Of course, you could choose look at your subject differently and maybe come to the conclusion that spending so much on a waterproof is not really necessary. I would prefer to argue that during the course of a two-week hike, for example, how often does it really rain? Unless you are really unlucky I would suggest that in reality we tend to hike a lot more in dry periods than we hike in wet ones.
I bought a Paramo Alta 2 a few years ago because at the time I truly believed that rain was going to be my number one difficulty but these days I think very differently. My own view is that wind is my number one problem, so for me my go-to choice of clothing and my most important item of clothing is my windproof jacket. My 'waterproof' choice is a cheapo coat, and a cheap poncho back up, to only be used if I ever need a double waterproof layer to help me to stay dry.
My last memory of rain was on one day only when hiking the Two Moors Way in 2019, the rest of the nine days it didn't rain.
Understand what you are saying, i use my windproof quite a lot.
I live in the North East and we can sometimes get some pretty harsh winters up here. I have been working from home since March and it looks like i will be until at least next March, so i want to get out walking as much as possible this winter, otherwise i am going to be stuck indoors a heck of a lot. So i want to make sure i have all the right gear in case we get a harsh winter.
Sorry i cant post a link where i can get the Lhotse for £200.
It is from Go Outdoors on their For Sale rack, i was very surprised to see it that cheap, their reductions aren't usually that big. It is the only one they have going cheap and it is my size as well, a small.
All the other sizes, medium and above are still on the normal rack at about £350.00.
Whats strange though, is that Go Outdoors don't even list the Lhotse on their website.