Just as a data point, if you look under my spoiler you will find much of my "equipment". Nearly all the glass (other than the vape cycler, maybe the Grav Labs ACs and J-hook, and the old straight 12" bong) is Chinese, mostly from DHGate. I don't own any $500 glass pieces, so it may be that I don't really understand "quality" glass, but I must say that I have been VERY happy with the DHGate glass I use. It has been durable and it works well. I have no real complaints.
For me due to cost, it is likely going to be Chinese glass or nothing. One does want to pick the better vendors, but I find this glass more than "good enough".
And, btw, for most people in here who have had a problem with a piece, especially if it arrived broken, the Chinese vendors have MOSTLY made everything right with replacements. That is where choosing the right vendor really comes in...