A/C squirrel cage, do you like metal or plastic?

[dmjlambert]

I have searched on the forum and found conflicting information about what may have been original, and no substantial information about what is better. So, what do you folks think? I have a 1969 CST/10 with factory air conditioning. I pulled the blower motor to look and clean and replace the motor, and found it has a metal squirrel cage. It is sturdy, but rusty and I am considering replacing it. A very small chunk of it is rusted through, so it may not be balanced any more, so I think it could reduce the motor life if I use it for years slightly out of balance or could cause vibration or noise.

If anybody is ready to say metal is the only way to go, next question is going to be where to get it, because what's readily available is plastic. If plastic is good, I'll just order one. My goal is function, not originality.