If you are willing to pay the difference for a mid-tier brand name model, the short answer is "yes." You (should ideally) receive a decent television backed by the service you would expect from a big ticket electronics purchase.
As for cheap televisions, buying a entry-level model can have pitfalls, as noted, though it is a huge YMMV situation based upon specific models and one's level of electronics expertise. I don't have much of a problem tearing into sub-$1000 electronics, and I can usually work around poor technical support from a manufacturer. However, these are annoyances most consumers prefer to avoid.