your mate might be thinking of mandrelbends???

if its a good seal it shouldnt really matter. Its also alot easier to ever change / further upgrade your exhaust. Remember a car evolves and what you may have today, may not be sufficient for tomorrow.

Who cares about looks. Its an exhaust and whats more important, looks or efficiency.

And you cant see if it was a good welding job. there could be dags left all through the welded area - how would you know?

SO go for a good exhaust preferabally bolted together with good sealing and your laughing.

And if your mate still says they look cheap, let him sit underneath the car while you take it for a blast and then ask him if it really matter what it looks like!!! - get my drift.