I will only buy a pattern for something that I can not easily recreate myself. When I am looking, it always amazes me that the simplest of patterns can go for $10 or more! I often wonder how many actually sell.
But maybe it is because I have a mathematical perspective....
I love the Southwest one and that is the type of pattern I would buy -- skill level/difficulty/not easy to recreate.
I am also drawn to paper piecing....for example PittsburgPam has been posting one she is designing and I could easily see myself buying that.
I too love the papers in the pattern, but I know when that happens it can hike the price considerably (for example Judy Niemeyers patterns are around $40).
I have bought one of JN's and one Be Colourful for close to $40, but that is very rare. I prefer a price point around mid-teens. I don't mind copying my own pages because I can do it as I go along. Which means I can spread out the cost a bit.
I know the Be Colourful one I bought is one where she did NOT give good directions and it is one where some of the pieces will not copy well.....frustrating when you pay that much. It is also confusing about how much of what colors you need. I think part of it has to do with a language barrier. I am actually thinking of selling it because of those reasons.
Good luck! I'd love to see more of your work!