Troy, I started with a set of BB and am still using them. I've also purchased some additional individual BB tools. They are good tools that are cheap to purchase.
One thing that goes along with learning to use gouges is learning to sharpen them. Lots of different options in sharpening, and you won't worry too much grinding away on a $15 gouge to experiment. I've still got lots of life left in my BB set with two + years of use and grind experimentation.
Although I usually recommend against buying sets, I found I use all the tools in the BB set. If you only want to use the tools to turn bowls, or only for spindle work, then you can do better only buying what you need. However, buying the set will let you play with each tool and see how you like them. Individual tools can also be reground for different uses.
I am just now starting to invest in premium tools.
I'd also recommend that someone starting with HSS spend their money on a good grinding setup (with a CBN wheel if you can afford it) and save a little money on gouges until you know what you really want.