The Sterling rifles are only a hair better than the Armalites. Definitely nice rifles but still a cheap, as was the goal. The folding stock mechanism is the most hot garbage thing I've ever seen. The only requirement was "cheap and easy". Floppy and loose like it would break if you looked at it too hard.
That said, every time I pick up my Stirling 180, I want to 80's action movie some Irish politicians. I have a Sterling 180 upper mounted to an Armalite lower. FAL style folding stock makes it a pretty damn slick package. The rifle is also incredibly light! Feels like a toy.