I use my block plane almost every day. It is a cheap Sears with a Hock iron in it. Next is probably my scrub plane ( modified #4) , then #4. Just upgraded from a Stanly Bailey pattern to a Woodcraft Bedrock pattern. Better? Only in fine adjustment I have learned to do anyway. It did teach me I don't need to upgrade my #7. (All have Hock irons) First? #4 is most common, but #5 probably is a better all around. Don't use my 7 much as I have power jointer and planer. I use the #4 scrub plane for roughing stock before it goes in the planer. It is actually quicker to rough out and easier to clean up. I have a WEN hand held power planer, but it is easier to just grab a bench plane.
The skill that goes hand and hand is sharpening the irons. I have spent more on every jig and tool than on the planes and am still not happy. I can get there, but not happy.
A cheap Stanley Baily pattern plane works as well as a L-N IF you put a decent iron in it. Harder to tune, Not as enjoyable, but it is the iron that does the work, not the body. Might look at Taylor and Woodcraft for well made but not prestige. ( L-N and Veritas) Skip the Buck and HF, and really, by the time you get a old Stanley or Record Bailey pattern and a good iron, clean and true it, the mid priced may be a better overall deal.
Of course, a lot are sold out right now. Someday I might spring for a L-N 5 1/2. Just because. Maybe their block plane and then have my Sears for rough who-cares carpentry type jobs which is what they do best anyway.
Warning: Planes seem to multiply. One, two, ten... Using them well becomes kind of Zen. And do take up any member offers for an hour or so to show you how to use one correctly. Pre U-tube, I got most of my hints from PBS, thanks to Roy Underhill.