I do prefer my LCR to my 642 when I could carry either. The trigger is better and someone installed a nice aftermarket front sight that is better than the S&W. NBD either way. The Smith is a nice piece in its own right and I carry it with certain clothing. The LCR is uglier than a scowling spouse, so I can understand anyone's aversion to it on appearance alone. If you pet her and talk sweet to her, she will smile back and be nice.
Plastic pistols have their place. They are work guns. Obviously easier to carry around all day for military and LEO, especially now that "full-sized" is a little bit smaller. Generally lighter to carry for CC.
I really prefer my metal ones for fun shooting, though. And aesthetically. Maybe it's a middle-aged person thing, too. I settled for a High Power and a Beretta as a younger man. Later, I learned better and got 1911's and CZ75's and an Sig P series. It's really hard to downgrade to a plastic pistol if you have nice metal ones like that.