I saw several All Clad pans in TJ Maxx yesterday. They seemed to priced about half of retail. If you have one in your area, check it out soon--their stock rotates really quickly, especially when they get good stuff. (They had a few Le Creuset pieces, too.)
debraw makes a good point. You can buy high quality pans which can't be sold as "firsts" if you do some looking around. Copper is the best metal conductor of heat. This means that you avoid "hot spots" in your pan. That said, if you are just doing a fast saute, those cheapola restaurant pans work well. They do season with time, but then when they are so warped and dinged up you can toss them with a clean conscience. It's not like ruining a good knife.
I think the All Clad Copper Core is completely worth it if you don't pay full retail. I got mine from a website that sells high quality pots and pans with slight imperfections. There was a slight scratch on the pans I bought but they were 50%-75% off. I've only had them for 5 years, but no complaints. They work just beautifully.
I have a set of all clad that I have had for 15 years, I actually bought them from a friend who moved out of the country and she had them for 5+ years so they are over 20 years old. I love the quality and although they are pricey in my opinion they are a high quality product that will last for years and years. That said leslim is right you can go to a restaurant supply and get a saute pan and its correct they are made to withstand a beating. I went to WS website and saw the copper core 3 qt saute pan with lid is on sale its still pricey but quality is excellent.
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@debraw333 - do you remember the name of your site?