I'm the only one in my group of friends that doesn't own a GTX garment aside from gaiters. I normally just pack what they refer to as a "shite rain jacket," and it doesn't go on unless conditions are at their worst. It has a powder coating instead of one of the more expensive Gore or eVent membranes. When we climbed Stuart last December, we were getting hammered by the snow and I guess I would say it BARELY kept me dry. Breathability did not occur.
I don't understand spending 250+ on a jacket I only wear in special circumstances. I think I could nab a decent used one for <$100 on eBay or something. Any goretex owners or naysayers out there with opinions?