I can't comment on quality differences...I just meant that the Stage One and Carter Starter look very similar.
When I bought my used one, I looked at the Carter, and decided it was too plain-Jane.
At this point, I'm not buying anything better than what I have...but if I could do it over...I would go for something more upscale.
Nothing in the $2k-$3k top-pro range...but I think it would be worth getting something better in the $1500-$2k range only because I can see how with a pedal steel...with all the mechanics involved...quality/precision craftsmanship and materials make a big difference.
A smooth playing steel sure makes the whole thing easier.
One thing though...having/playing this used one, I now know much better what I would want out of a pro/better one...and what type of customization I would want AFA the pedals and levers...I don't like the standard position of pedals, way off to the left...and some of the knee levers are not comfortable for how I like to sit....but until you sit at one and play a bit, it's not easy to guess where you would want things.