[Nonfractal]

.. I prefer and like the look of the metal wheels (no inserts)
now this comes with inherent risks as some of the wheels (no inserts) have copped a decent hit and the wheel being dented, wonder if the insert might have saved the wheel dents?
Johnno

For me, Inserts are just added rotational inertia. They add no performance.
I don't use inserts unless the ruleset for the class demands it.
If a realistic wheel face is required, I will always prefer alloys with a properly engineered face. 
Staffs wheels for example.
If you hit the wall so hard that it damages the rim, it's probably no longer running true.
An insert probably would not have made any difference to that type of damage.

Alan