Subaru parts

Hi, I had posted a couple of questions to this newsgroup earlier about a problem with my 97 Outback Sport. Seems most likely the fuel filter is at fault. Now, I scurry down to my local automotive store (ok, Canadian Tire) and found they had just run out. I also noticed the price C$34.95. Holy c*&p I thought as I looked at the prices for other manufactures fuel filters (C$12 to C$17). Now, I got to thinking (a rare occurrence these days), is it possible to fit another (cheaper) manufacturers fuel filter to my Outback? Ok, I realise the clamp won't fit, but that should not pose a great problem. I mean, after all, a fuel filter is a fuel filter, or?? Money is not the problem, but being of Scottish heritage I'll be damned if I'm going to fork out 50 bucks when 5 bucks will get the same results. It just seems Subaru has a firm grip on us by the short and curly's. Again, your idea's, thoughts and comments would be most welcome. Thanks. William.