Unlike standardized PCs, embedded systems are not just about specs and prices, but much more about stability and the whole ecosystem. What helps a higher spec if you can not find a stable driver or the documents are so bad, you can not make heads or tails from that? What helps a cheaper price tag if you have to spend days trying to figure out why sometimes a hardware connection works but sometimes not?

Ultimately, time is money. If I manufacture something en-masse, obviously a few dollars difference is important. But for my one-off hobby project? I'll stick with what works.