You have a bit of a furniture paradox at work there, Vic. As Steve says, you really can't expect much out of cheap furniture. Its going to fail quickly in most cases. Some companies that service that end of the market are now using cardboard as internal frame components!
What I would do is look for better names on Craigslist and buy used. There are some incredible deals to be had that way if you are not picky about color and style. I'd rather buy a 10-year-old Hancock and Moore sofa for $ 400 than a brand new one for the same money at Marlo's for example. Like this one I just found:
http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/fur/755871876.html
New, that's a $ 2,500 sofa.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
My Private Messages are Disabled - Please ask questions here in the forum.