I think if you have hard water or other issues with water that gives your tub/ shower unsightly look it is good idea to invest. Otherwise cleaning recommendations seems to be the same. I got Arisona shower doors with inexpensive tempered glass that gives you slightly greenish hue but it works for my design. Easy clean with squeegee and Windex keeps it looking just fine.

You might want to repost your question to the GardenWeb Bathrooms forum: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/bath/ I posted there when I was looking at different composite base manufacturers. Not only did people respond who had chosen and lived with different models there are also lots of past postings on the subject of different types of showers. Based on what I've read, I have to agree with macv about the higher quality of a composite base over an acrylic. We're going to go with a composite for our upcoming remodel.

Yours is not a traditional way to do it, but it's your bath so if it makes you happy - why not. Assuming you can communicate the design to the tile setters.

We are installing a 36 x 60 cast iron shower receptor and frameless bypass sliding doors. The glass company said they drill into cast iron all the time and it's not a problem. As a preventive measure, I will ask them to add silicone to the underside of the sill mounted center guide to seal out water and prevent rust. Thank you to everyone who commented on this thread - your input has been helpful and informative.