id say that it is, but it sounds like your friend is gonna be limited to US hilts out of those on that list pricing wise. i used SF asp parts to build my hilt. i'm currently in the process of adding external modifications to fit things like a PLI, accent led bezels, and brass accents. depending on what you had planned to do to a hilt, and if you charge for these services, it can get rather expensive for him. but to answer the base question, as someone whose doing it himself, id say yes it is worth it. there's no monetary limit for me when it comes to adding that unique custom look!