It's quite true that "plastic" is often used as a term of derision.
What many don't understand is that there are thousands of plastic polymers, additives and fillers that can produce an astonishing range of properties. And, it's all PLASTIC.
Just as "steel" is a generic term, 1018 crs, 4140 and A6 or H13 are all "steel". Their uses, mechanical properties, machine ability, heat treat ability are quite different. Same for brass, bronze, wood, concrete and many other structural materials.
Plastics are no different. It's unfortunate when an inappropriate plastic alloy is specified or used in a product that leads to consumer disappointment. Likewise, it is silly to use expensive and difficult to process, premium plastic alloys in disposable, single use products.
Not meaning to get too technical, with plastic and often other materials like concrete, process and technique is important. Melt temperature, injection pressure, hold time, mold design, location of vents, gate locations, runner balance all effect the quality of the end product.
Trick has always been to match the specific material and process parameters to the end use. Some do it better than others. So far, gun manufacturers have done well with their "plastic" pistols.
