Seems like a silly question, but here goes.  Say you win a $4.40 buy in satellite into a $30+3 tourney.  Do i need to cash in the $30. tourney to consider it a positive ROI.  If i get pd $300 in the $30, my ROI is based off the $4.40 right. 

How much should i be trying to save by winning my way in?  Is it worth it to play eight $18 satellites ($144) to win your way into a $162 or should i just be waiting until my bankroll can afford the bigger buyin directly?

Thanks in advance.