Pros/Cons
I am a aircraft metal worker by trade, and I do have the means to fabricate all the FG parts from metal, but..there are drawbacks. There was an RV-6 I believe in which this was done, and its a piece of art for sure. Its hard to beat the look a of a beautiful compound curved formed (usually polished) metal cowl and wheelpants. The downside is that the fabrication is slow and very tedious, and the finished product is so much more subject to damage, cracks, wear and tear. These FG parts on the RV's will withstand some serious abuse, and can be repaired/re-finished in short order. I will be fabricating a new metal cowling for my 1941 Aeronca Defender, but only out of necessity, as I want it original.