I think the idea of a metal fender is much better than the reality, for the reasons you mentioned. I just purchased and installed a set of SKS's 700x35 fenders over the top of 700x28c tires. It wasn't the easiest installation, but the fit is clean and tight.

Plastic fenders are both inexpensive and practical. They're easy to live with in all weather conditions too. I own and installed SKS and Planet Bike fenders and would rate the quality of the SKS fenders and hardware only slightly higher than Planet Bikes, but the SKS installation was more challenging.

If I could only have one set, it would be SKS. They didn't install as easy as the Planet Bike fenders, but you only install once so I'd recommend you grit your teeth and get through it, then enjoy 'em for the long haul.