Hey Joe,
There is a wide variety of prices and quality when it comes to sheet metal. Some of the low end panels can take triple the installation time or more. The only consistent thing I have found is that the panels that are labelled as "British Heritage" parts tend to be the better panels overall. They are an organization that verifies the parts they back with at least a minimum degree of quality control. Among those parts, some have the cage nuts installed, and others don't. So that is something to look for....frequently the little higher price gives you a more complete panel.
Some of the low end panels are actually hand beaten, and look like they were. An example of that level are the Ebay "Made in America" floor panels that are always advertised. I don't mind hand beaten, but I know I could do a better job than they do. Moss used to sell them, and I bought a set of floors on my first car. It took me 4 months to convince Moss to take the return...not to mention the $127 in shipping to send them back. I notice Moss no longer carries them!
For other parts and hardware I usually go with the sale items. Just check them before the return period runs out, as crappy quality repro parts are rampant from all the suppliers. TRF tends to be the better of the big suppliers more times than not.