I think people can tell whether they'd prefer an almost identical device made of quality plastic vs. aluminum/glass before they use it. The tactile difference will be minimal at most, not to mention it's an irrelevant comparison as most will put a plastic case over the aluminum/glass phone anyway (probably the plastic one as well). Most people understand that the 5C is an excellent, and well put together device, but are disappointed that Apple obviously significantly cut manufacturing costs on the 5C that are not at all reflected by it's price. It's a 5 with a nice plastic case for the same price. I prefer glass and aluminum to plastic on phones and I know that it's more expensive to manufacture - I don't want plastic at the glass and aluminum price. Apparently that makes me too demanding for the Apple apologists.
