functionally, i believe that aluminum "alloy" is a great alternative to steel it terms of functionality. However, it is easier and cheaper to make alloy recievers rather than steel ones, that is why the manufacturures use it. they just tag on all the other benifits to hide the fact that they are saving money by not making it steel. Alloy recivers in my opinion are ugly and don't match the blueing of the rest of the gun, also they are not ingraved. my dad has a b-2000 and i have a gold. his gun is about 1/4 slimer than mine is because the steel can be made much thinner than a. alloy can be made, his gun has a much better feel and balance to it. the gold would be absolutly awesome if it was made out of steel and it did not have that plasic for lack of a better word sub piston in the gas system