Not even close -
the cost of the permit alone would be at least the cost of the strip, and then you haven't even gotten into the materials. Even if the permit were free, you're technically supposed to have a GFCI on every circuit in the garage, and that's $30 right there.
Furthermore, not everyone has a panel conveniently located, they would have to fish through drywall and such. And even then, most homes don't have any spare breakers in the main panel, the original contractor used the smallest panel possible to save $5.
But... if you're the type that has a panel close, or will skip the permit, then you're right. I ran my own 50A, 220V circuit to a subpanel in my garage, and break out what I need from there.
Here's an example:
That's four outlets... and four 20A circuits. Lots of flexibility. With those and the other circuits coming out of the subpanel, I've had two lathes, overhead lights, two work lights, and three space-heaters running at the same time with no problem.
Get the 20A strip that I linked to, and you're good - the breaker in your panel (whether 15A or 20A) will have that circuit covered.