I use to care but now I pretty much just buy the hooks I need for a particular fly at the lowest cost unless I have an immediate need. Some of the older hooks are more brittle, have larger barbs, and need sharpening before use. None of these negatives are terribly important to me since most hooks break on something other than the fish; I pinch or file down the barbs, and sooner or later most hooks need sharpening. Just because a pattern calls for a particular hook doesn't mean it is necessary. If money isn't an object then go for quality. If it is an issue than just find inexpensive hooks. They'll work fine.

Randy