This is a great question, really, because what's a "higher end-rod" to ME, may NOT feel, like a "higher end rod" when fished by YOU! In, other words, all rods and all fly fishermen are very different in regard to equipment such as rods, reels and lines.
I own several "high end" Sage, Thomas and Thomas and the like and yet I find some of my BEST overall rods are the ones sold VERY reasonably by "Temple Fork Outfitters"...... Lefty's endorsed line!
I rod need NOT be "higher end" or even "higher priced" to be an excellent rod. After all, there are only so many things, one can DO to graphite, Boron, etc, to begin with. I gauge my own gear, by how it feels in the hand and of course, by how it lays out line. In other words............ "If it "feels good" and "casts well" and seems to be constructed so as to last a long time, then IT IS a "higher end rod", even if you only paid a fraction of the cost of big name rod company's rods!
DON'T be fooled by the oldest gig in the world of fly fishing.......... "If it COSTS A LOT, then it's GOT to be good"!
"Higher End" sometimes ONLY MEANS............ "Higher Price"!