I have found that when a class supply list has certain rulers on the supply list that it will be of benefit for me to have them. The class instructor has used every ruler and found that certain ones make the process easier and faster for the pattern being taught. You are paying for her knowledge so why dismiss it?
The Shape Cut is worth the money. I use it to square up blocks more then cutting. It's the best ruler for cutting large squares. If you have a WalMart that doesn't have the Shape Cut ask the craft dept. manager to order it. Mine was under $20. WalMart stocks June Taylor products at the Main warehouse. The local Walmart here now stocks all the June Taylor notions and Fiskars. The dept. manager didn't know she could order those items from the main warehouse. She admitted she never really looked at what was available to order.