I agree that sometimes cheaper pans don't do the job you want. And it seems to me that my first batch of pancakes never comes out right either. I'm thinking it's because I use the first as a temp tester. And usually it's way to hot and I end up with a burnt mess. We can most likely attribute that to my lack of patience in waiting for a pan to heat, so I blast the fire. Yeah I know... wrong way to cook.
But I've found that I can use my electric griddle and they never seem to burn. We can most likely attribute
this to my impatience also. The griddle doesn't heat up very quickly... so the pancakes are dropped before it's hot. *laughs*
A good pancake hint is to remember not to mix your batter to much. It's suppose to have some lumps in it. Also, you could try letting it sit for 10 minutes or so. Maybe the 2nd batch is better because the batter has been sitting there waiting. And remember to flip them with you've got popped bubbles on top.

And now... I think I shall go make some pancakes.