I see small Russet potatoes at the supermarket for only $1.49 per five-pound bag. Why is this?

Why are Russet potatoes only $1.49 for the five-pound bag, while white potatoes are $1.99 for the five-pound bag and fancy red potatoes run a mind-boggling $2.89 for the five-pound bag? Are Russet potatoes for peons and dirty people with no shoes, and red potatoes for snooty French restaurants? Is there really such a difference between them? Are white potatoes then for regular Joes who love their beef and taters?