I agree with you there. There are cheap gaming headsets that get good sound for the money. But I'll bet ya that headset will cost the same or more than the kit i specified (without dedicated soundboard).
This issue kinda pisses me off since many of my friends fall for this...
When will people understand that 'gaming' headsets are just an expensive gimmick?
Buy a real pair of headphones like the Senheiser HD555 and get a clip-on Zalman mic which is much more worth it.
And if your into that 'surround' thing get a pc sound card later...