Most people don't need or want custom so glass will suit them fine. Some of the ali boats have really lifted their game in finish over the last 20 years, and are quite impressive bits of engineering. It has lead to much higher manufacturing costs though.

The challenger at $156,000 for a 7.2m offered awesome value although it needed a few more HP, and they ride great (I own one). The offshore 7.5 at $350,000 was nicer. It all comes down to your budget.

One trap you have to be a bit careful of, is the stock boats need a lot of add on's so pricing isn't always the drive out the gate price.

Yep, agreed.  I went through the boat buying process a couple of years ago and the add-ons do add up!  

Although one thing I will say about Profile is that they are upfront with the different spec options with 3 models priced on the same hull.  They have GL, Sport and Limited specs with the Limited pretty much having everything in/on it.  I started with the 585 Sport spec and added a few things like a bigger motor, walk-through transom, dual batteries, two step ladder etc.  But I pretty much knew what I was in for.