Agree with this,and the good news is that if you're studying some electronics,some of the better 'dirt' circuits are already circulating the internet,along with mods to further fine-tune it to your liking. After all,producing dirt sounds typically involve more or less the same blocks,whether one uses IC's,fets,clipping diodes,etc. Only a few out there that get creative,but nothing ground-breaking IMO in terms of variation from the tones we're used to hearing through the years.
I feel if I'm not happy with the drive sound,i should make that jump to a better amp. Pedals are a good and fun diversion though. But i wouldn't spend that much for the flavor of the month dirt box. A good delay or modulation otoh... Maybe.
