It's variable. For myself, my bladder and it's absorbency needs (N) is a function of: N=(A+P)/B Where A=Activity level on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being the lowest. P=time spent in Public expressed as whole numbers of hours. And B=Bathroom availability which I usually determine as a whole number of one trip per hour. This usually will help me determine the type of protection, level of protection, and layers of protection that I will likely need.
Given a low N, a high P, and a middle to high A I will usually wear two or three high quality pull-ups such as Tranquility Overnight or North Shore at the same time. These afford a very decent level of protection while remaining slim flexible and discreet. These will also allow quick easy changes as I am already wearing all of them. I usually put a little bit of powder on each one as well, and I also find that adult pull-ups tend to work better for me when worn in this fashion as they just fit me much better.
If I have a middle to higher N, high P, and low A I will opt for a premium diaper. I have found North Shore Supreme to be excellent in absorption rate, capacity, and locking. They also are the absolute best when it comes to even wicking in a sitting position and no press out.
If I am looking at middle of the road scores, or regardless of a high N if I have a High A I will probably be wearing a good quality medium capacity diaper and maybe even one or two pull-ups over that. I have found the Tranquility Slimline Breathable to be exceptional in comfort, wicking, no press-out, and flexible for activity. They hold a decent amount very securely without being huge, bulky, or noticeable in any fashion. Whereas I have found premium diapers do not hold up well structurally at midrange or higher A levels.
Given that I spend my entire day on campus it is fairly easy for me to determine my levels of need, but they change with each new term. If it is a day with only one or two very long classes with few breaks, I am going to be in a premium diaper. If I have two or three short classes and am walking all over campus, I will be wearing multiple pull-ups or a good quality medium. I have had no issues, but I am also prepared with emergency changes and spare clothes in the car.
The key is to understand your body and its needs in conjunction with your environment. For myself, If I am staying hydrated and am sipping on high caffeine drinks I know that I could not last an hour without dribbling a few times. And with that combination of liquid intake, it will be fairly frequent (in small amounts) across a given hour. A three hour class with one very short break usually means I've used a premium to about half its sitting capacity. Regardless of my intake, if I am home I am wearing a premium unless I know that I might be leaving soon or depending on plans for the day.
I guess everyone, their level of need, and their place in life is quite different. If I were at home all the time or sat a desk for eight hours a day, I might find premium diapers are the way to go period. I just find that I have to be much more flexible in my padding selection to better fit the situations. Nothing (other than catastrophic leaks in public) is more infuriating and disappointing than a premium diaper that is not used to or near it's capacity for retention or time. If you cannot take advantage of a premiums absorbency or ability to last so long you are throwing away money in large amounts and it is exceptionally inefficient.
So, to answer your question in a very long rambling round-about way, there is no definite answer. The biggest question to ask yourself when determining between the two choices of High capacity/high time premium vs. lower capacity/lower time "cheapies" is can YOU even wear a premium for that length of time/urine capacity in your environment/lifestyle? If the answer falls short of a resounding yes, you're better served looking for a product that meets your level of need/ability to wear.