I don't think they really are, at least the old (pre V5) rules basically to go for secondary paths with a strong power at level 1 or 2 (or maybe 3) grab those and move to the next path.

Path were you get the good stuff only at higher levels, or that had only one power that got better with increasing level (like Lure of Flames or Movement of mind) got expensive pretty fast.

But to be fair regular disciplines have in some cases the same problem....