I'll go for the $25 any time
I prefer soft t shirts over the usual Fruit of the Loom etc. heavier weight shirts. They feel better and the silk screen process seems to last through at least two years of heavy wear and wash/dry cycles more than heavier t shirts.
I still buy the occasional comic book/film t shirt. I will pay $25 for a t shirt welovefine.com produces. I've got a few of their shirts from almost three years ago that look relatively new and feel great. I wish other companies would use the softer weight shirts.
For me, the comfortable feel and durability are worth the extra money.