I prefer the plastic ones and am glad they are on my STLE and ACDC Premium. The metal will damage the powder coated legs and also if they are even slightly misaligned they will damage the threads on the leg bolts. I have seen both of these effects first hand. If this is a cost cutting move from Stern's perspective, I see it as a win/win. I will be looking to buy plastic when I restore cabinets in the future...
Great to see you came around and got an STLE Steve. It is a great game.