Well, I'm the wrong person to ask about the value of Scotch. I don't like it, don't drink it. And I consider it way overpriced.
I drink Bourbon. I'm not equipped to deal with the differences between Bourbon and Scotch (except for the obvious taste difference). But Bourbon is an entirely American developed whiskey. In fact, to be labeled Bourbon, the distillery must follow a precise process in distillation. That's why Jack Daniels and George Dickel are considered Tennessee Whiskey; not because they're distilled in Tennessee, but because they use a separate carbon filtering process that's not part of the Bourbon process.
Being a loyal, patriotic American, I prefer my whiskey to be homemade. And the last few years of sampling various blends of Bourbon have been quite enjoyable. (Well, for the most part...). As far as cost, I've looked at Scotch in the stores and have found it (the generally considered top or 2nd shelf stuff) quite more expensive than Bourbon, although a few Bourbons will demand prices close to Scotch. Elijah Craig (my favorite) is priced the same as Jack Daniels Old No. 7 (Jack Daniels is the very least sour mash I'll consider). Others I enjoy are somewhat higher, say $27 - $37 range. But the little I consume, it's not an overly expensive treat. Scotch, Bourbon, the idea is to enjoy the gifts God has provided without excess. If one prefers the taste of Scotch, I say wonderful. It's all in one's taste.
Every time I see the name, Jack Daniel, I reminded of the fact that he became a licensed distiller and opened his first distillery at the age of 16. If he did that today, he'd be incarcerated. And, if you helped him, you'd be incarcerated as well. That is not progress.