the only thing I have against the ds and cs series of kicker is that they use foam surounds other then that I think they are pretty good I have heard/read the the mid level cs are way better then their price point hit above their weight
You are probably on to something, I honestly didn't look too much into their construction. But for the price I paid, and just being powered off the deck, I ain't complaining. And Kicker was a brand I grew up on.
Highly unlikely they will survive the power I intend to throw back in the truck. Over 300w RMS from old school Phoenix Gold XS300 amp for the front, and 500w RMS XS500 for the subs.
I plan on doing kick panels, and those will likely get tossed in the B-pillars for rear fill, if used at all.