A braid is going to have lower capacitance and higher inductance then the same wire in a twisted or a starquad geometry. While it will have some shielding due to its geometry it will be less then either of the others mentioned. A lot goes into the synergy between the wire itself, the geometry used, the ends that are used and lastly how well it mates with the component it is paired with. I think it is more coincidental then anything else that the two pcs that suit your taste (in the end it is all subjective) and work well with your gear are both braided design. And as you have found out higher cost doesn't mean it is better for given system...