My favorite double rifle is a Boxlock, and I'd rather have a fine boxlock than an equally fine sidelock. That's simply a presonal preference.

The side plates do have some thing to reccomend them! One, of course is they are a real nice place for some good engraver to do his thing, but that is only bling! The fact is the side plates have a practical purpose as well! The side plates actually re-enforce the very weakest point on the butt stock, the wrist area. I think they are a little more than a "Want-to-be" bling, but of course a plateless boxlock is just as pleasing to the eye, IMO. I don't see the side plates as elitist at all, however! If they look good on a real side lock, they also look good on a boxlock! I care far more how the rifle shoots, and holds up than what it looks like!