When I first started as a butcher in Santa Barbara, around 1977, we would run sales on tri tip at 49 cents a pound. It’s very versatile. I can still get it at around 3.99 at Costco, and at the price I grind it for hamburgers. I also smoke it whole, and slice it across the grain into individual steaks about 1 1/4 inch thick which you can then grill.
I’ve been eating tri tip almost as long as I can remember. Have had it cooked, and cooked it myself, every way imaginable.