I like my 914/6 gt as much as my 356's, 911 and 912. The 914 is by far the best handling you are correct the Porsche geeks did hate it (faster and cheaper than there 911's).
No none of them are built as will as my new Toyota and yes all are about the same quality as my 56 VW beetle. Still they are all fun cars. We have had it 20+ years and plan on keeping it. I can not wait to get my hands on this trans kit.