If you like the POF get it. Don't let people dictate to you, your preferences. If you think it looks good, and it makes you happy... then get it. You know the rule, if you short change yourself, you won't be completely satisfied with your gun until what you like is on it.
I just bought a POF Gen 2. I love it. It's what I wanted. I got a great deal on it cause the guy was hurting but it's what I wanted. And yeah, it looks good too.
First off, I'm not in a bashing spirit, so if this does come accross like that, read on and carefully. And I am thick skinned but I feel the impulse to reply.
"Don't let people dictate to you" comment is typical of the replies that you see in ARFKKOM and SF. If he didn't want his "decision dictated" or I saw it, asking for suggestions and opinions as I gave one, them why ask for it? Just because you have one and you think it's the shitzzle and feel that a "back response" is necessary goes hand in hand with the VB vs. SF and Slag issue. And I side with VB not b/c I think the 556 is a POS, but he stood his ground and those who didn't agree w/him resorted to trash talking and it started out exactly like this. And I actually kinda like the 556.
This is MY POV of the POF lowers only. They are like a Chevy Avalanche pick-up truck, if you can call it that. More crap added to it to jack up the price but yet offers nothing and maybe takes away from it. You are simply buying a "cool looking" feature. I'd agree the pictograms are indeed cool, and if given a choice that doesn't jack it up $100, I'd get it. But in 25 years of shooting the AR/M16/M4 i have yet to look at the selector switch when I'm about to fire it. As a matter of fact they all (other rifles) pretty much flip the same direction to fire.
If the "coolness" factor is top on the list, then my suggestions and opinions should be ignored. I'm all about the "go", and never the "show". That applies to my vehicle's too. I know alot of people who rather have the "cool looking" over a more sensible decision. Oh, well that's them. That doesn't mean I'm an old fart and only things made in the USA, back in the 40's is the best EVVARRR! I'd had pick a FAL over an M14 back then in a heartbeat. And after all, I do have an XCR and I give it an A+ and eagerly waiting for someone else to get the Masada first and then tell me about it.
The POF, Up and coming Magpul, or others are nothing more that show pieces. I'm sure they will work just as fine as 99% of all the other quality lowers but FOR ME they don't add anything of a productive value. The ambi bolt isn't being adopted by any LE agency or MIL probably because it will start to add to the complexity of the weapon and could hinder more than help. Unlike the XCR's bolt release where it's an easy and simple transition and ideal location for a bolt release. If you are a hard core lefty, get a Stag Arms AR or an AUG w/the left bolt. This infatuation with ambi is getting out of hand. Lefties do have a choice. I think trying to add ambi bolt release to a regular AR lower is a bad move period specially when the ones that take up trigger guard room and too close proximity to the mag release. In a stress situation you most likely will hit the wrong one!
No more responses from me about this subject before it ends up on the bottom of the forum. My opinions and suggestions are mine. If someone doesn't like the responses when someone asks "What do you think about..." remember it was asked and not just thrown out there.