I've got a PCF and an Aero Precision, they are both fine and work well. Workmanship and finish on both is very good. My PCF shows no signs of wearing out and has a good trigger too. It has seen 200 5.56 and 2000 .22lr, where it will probably stay. I've got plenty of aluminum guns for the .223's and I think the lightweight is better appreciated on a .22. Mags can be tight on the PCF, especially P-mags, they all work fine but won't drop free. They are allmost all composite, except for springs and the butstock tube, nut and plate.
I've seen and assembled lots of the cheap lowers that were/are going around and they've all been quality items, I don't see any need to spend more than you absolutely must, and definitely go PCF if you want plastic.