Yes, that shit is warped and has knots in it. Yes, if you want the shit that doesn’t have warping and knots, you do indeed have to pay more money.
This is how all commodities, products, and services have worked, since the first time someone had the idea of trading one resource for another resource.
Please try to wrap your head around the concept. Better things cost more. This should NOT be blowing anyone’s fucking mind.
High prices =/= good. Low prices =/= bad. High grade lumber will tend to be more expensive, but assuming that something is better because it’s more expensive is a great way to get conned.