value is relative. I see tons of people commuting on crappy bikes but they make it work for them. Could they get a quality ride with more durable and reliable parts for a few hundred bucks more? absolutely, but that's everyone's own choice to make. if you want to buy a cheap bike and ride it into the dirt, go for it. We all know the thruster is an abomination but some people seem to enjoy it so whatever.
but why bother upgrading parts? you'd be better off starting with a decent frame and so-so components then a throw away frame with upgraded components, the expression lipstick on a pig comes to mind.