You can usually find a roll (200 ft or so) of new, high quality 12 guage wire on ebay for $50-60.

For the price difference, I wouldn't consider 14 guage unless the actual size difference made a problem in running the wire.

Monster cable is definitely overpriced for what you get. No doubt about that.

The Rat. M80s, VP-150, QS8s, SVS PC 20-39+, OPPO, Onkyo 703s, Harmony 880 Sony 60" SXRD HDTV