Depends on what you are after. Based on my pawn shop find Crescent which was in no worse condition and much, much lighter than the SX and Ibanez Jazzes it was between, I decided to check out others of the breed. In no way was I disappointed . . . with any of them. I wanted LIGHT and uncollectible, so I could modify to my heart's content without compromising resale value. I got what I wanted in spades; with a proper set-up, these basses are gig-able right out of the box. And any components I may feel need upgrading are the same components (tuners, pickups, electronics) that are suggested upgrades for Squiers, Rondos. etc., so that's a wash.
Many of the viewpoints expressed in this thread would have a lot more credibility if the posters had any sort of evidence-based support for their opinion, like a manual examination of even one of these basses. But lacking that, then TB "conventional wisdom" falls into the same category with "all vintage 60s Japanese basses were made in Matsumoku." It's flattering to believe, but it ain't necessarily so. And in this particular discussion, a lot of badge-olatry has gotten into the mix as well.
When Squier, etc. start marketing basses that come in at seven pounds or under, I'll give them a look. Until then, I think the best bang-for-the-buck award, for my purposes at least, goes to the cheap Fender copies.
