If I might say something on the Plates issue :
I recall , I myself have tried Steel, Stainless, Alumnium, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, PC-ABS, ABS, Polystylene, Polyester... Wooden .. plates in Recent years. Each has its pros and cons, IMHO
I would like to say I don't know the details in every Plate project in GH, even though I have been just seeing them at times.
For my IC's, I prepared 3 types of Plates ; No plate, Acryl plate, Alu Plate.
I excluded PolyCarbon, its too pricey to manufacturs around me, and some personal doubts of its performance relate to Type Feelings. I have some Industrial design Experience and now in someway involved in Moblie things with my aquintances...
But I would like to say, I am not that into the too-Pricey materials and higher costs in small quantity productions.
What I prefer is ; " Keep the Original materials to build a new one, Stay Reasonable in your daily Hobbies. "