Here is some practical advice/experience from a photographic dilettante on just such an issue
I'm getting into macro and since I'm brainless it was decided that the ticket could be filled by a Schneider MAKRO Super Angulon TS 90mm. So I ordered one from B&H and spent nearly two full days fooling around with tilt and shift and focus. Wasn't completely happy but figured I'd eventually get the hang of it. Then happened into a store where a minty Nikkor 105 Macro was just waiting for a Noob to swipe it.
So on a whim it came home. Immediately the photos were much better. Don't get it wrong, when the MAKRO was "on" the images were slightly/somewhat sharper and color rendition was slightly more pleasing. However, the keeper/trash ratio was MUCH lower with the lens that effectively cost 4X the Nikkor. It is likely that over time the outcomes would improve with the "Super Lens". However, the integration of the "System" was much better with the Nikkor.
I do appreciate that learning and conquest are part of skill acquisition and satisfaction that comes with photography whether a hobby or profession. But some times you just want a great picture. IQ is just part of that process. No doubt many here could have produced wowser images right off the mark with the Schneider, but the whole equation is what matters. Being a designed part of the System can be an advantage regardless of the positive traits.
Maybe one day, when I am better, the Super Angulon will be "better". A photographer has to know their limitations too. It ain't just the equipment...