Well, as far as opinions go, I'll answer your question. I haven't priced a Noveske or a Daniel Defense, for that matter, in a long time; but I know their prices are outrageous. Is a Noveske worth it's price tag? No, absolutely not. Daniel Defense? I think their prices are a bit over inflated, but yes, they are good rifles and aren't too over priced.
Why do these companies get to charge so much? Because of the name and what it means. You know, or should be able to know, that some of the best parts available were used in putting together the AR.
The most important parts, the barrel and bolt carrier groups are top grade. The barrels are cold hammer forged and chrome lined (not for accuracy, but longevity). The bolt and carrier groups and made of 8620 (I believe) steel and Carpenter 158 steel, respectively and then are treated. Heat treatment, shot peening, magnetic particle inspection, high pressure testing, blah, blah, blah.
As for the other stuff, well, 7075 rather than 6061 buffer tubes, upper and lower receivers (7075) are to spec, which means that the holes are the size they are supposed to be and where they're supposed to be. Gas tubes are higher quality. Springs and pins are less likely to fail. Steel gas blocks and so on. For every part for which there is a lesser quality part that could be used, the more expensive quality part is used.
Will all of this mean anything to you? I don't know. How much will you be shooting it? If it's going to be a closet queen and you might put 1000 rounds a year through it, you'll likely be well served by a basic model from Palmetto State Armory for less than $1000. Actually, I've seen PSA firearms run their butts off. Of course, I've seen some screwed up stuff come from PSA, but they took care of it in good fashions.
If you're gonna shoot it a lot, my first choices, if I was going to buy a rifle, would be either a Daniel Defense or a Bravo Company. The Bravo Company is definitely worth the price. The DD is a bit overpriced. The Noveske is absolutely as good, but over priced. I'm just not aware of anything the Criterion barrel (I think) that Noveske uses or their bolt groups will do that Bravo Company or DD won't.
If you think that spending a large amount of money means that it won't break, you're wrong. Anything mechanical that is used, and sometimes not used, needs to be maintained. Springs need to be checked, gas rings need to be replaced, ejectors and their springs, extractors and their springs, bolts need to be checked for wear.
If you have an unlimited amount of funds, get a Noveske. I'd do it because I'd know I'm getting quality and the money doesn't mean anything.
If you have a budget and are trying to get something you can rely on, don't forget, you will also needs mags and ammo for practice. Does the rifle you're looking at come with open/iron sights? If not, you'll need those and they aren't cheap. How about the red dot? I hope you aren't going to be one of those guys that buys an expensive rifle and then puts a $100 optic on it. I run a 1.5X ACOG and that cost more than it cost me to build my rifle. A bullet proof red dot (well, as bullet proof as they can be), will run you $500+.
My point is that the actual firearm is but one element of the equipment that you'll need. If you're on a budget, spend wisely. You'd be much better served with a $1500 rifle with a good quality red dot than you would be with a $2000+ rifle with inferior sights. If your sight goes out, the rifle is almost useless.
