I have purchased what I have from dandant mainly because they have warehouse and office close by. The only complaint I have had is a few of my hive body's warped on the boards with the lip where the frame rests right after they were painted for the first time. I carved some pieces of pine to fit and nailed them in place for to give the frames more to sit on.
My first hive was the kit, the hive body that came with the kit warped the most. Looking back, it wasn't needed. I think all boxes have the possibility to warp no matter where they come from.
I included the propolis trap with what i have. I figured that no matter what, They'll be a build of it some where so why not give them a place to put it, plus it can be harvested. I'll continue to use them until I see something different.
I'd rather use the metal in a wood frame but I have the plastic queen excluder only because they're cheaper, I was just in yesterday and picked some more, they don't last for ever.