I have more fun not being cheap. I want something and budget allows I buy it.
I have several of the wool pressing mats in all sizes. The wool pressing mats are thick and dense, they can't be folded. The blankets are soft so the fabric sinks in when pressed.
That makes a big difference and I have compared both types. The wool blanket will be nice to cover an ironing surface but to press a quilt block the wool pressing pad is best.
That's why so many are praising the wool mat and so many are substituting for it and then say they can't understand all the hype about it.