From having handled both, I would say the overall feel and weight of the Matsuis and the B&Gs are roughly equivalent. However, for the product in general (not specific to these plaques necessarily), I would still give the ultimate nod to the B&G plaques, even though the Matsuis are fantastic. I would say this for a number of reasons:
Colours: it seems the Matsui colour pallette is more limited than B&G, although that is just an impression.
Available finishes: Matsui basically has 2-- plain, and 3 different marble-type finishes. B&G has more options: kind of a fish-scale finish (the lower denomination Saharas have this), a llame' (have no idea how to spell this, but the richer, more sparkled finish of the Sahara $1,000 plaque), the traditional marbled finish (like the Matsuis), and kind of a gold 'fish-net' finish on top of a marbled finish. The wider variety of possible finishes gives the nod to B&G.
Plaque composition: B&G has the see-through lunettes, as well as being able to have different available plaque finishes used on the same plaque. I know that Matsui plaques can use different colours, and can go from solid to marbled finish, but I'm not sure whether they can incorporate different types of marbled finish on the same plaque-- or that the end result would be that remarkable if they could. The available finish options on the B&G are different enough that you would really notice it if they were used on the same plaque (not saying you'd want to, just that it gives you more options).
Style of the plaque itself: just personal preference here, but B&G plaques have the characteristic raised portions on the edges of the plaques, whereas the Matsuis are flat-- I tend to prefer the B&g slightly here.
As you can see, if given the choice I would probably choose the B&Gs in each of the categories noted above. However, two notable factors remain:
First of all, I'm not given a choice-- Matsui is the only company who will produce for the home market-- B&G for whatever reason won't deal with us, or anyone else except a licensed casino entity (or a Hollywood production company). As such, B&G have removed themselves from our market. Definite Kudos to Matsui for even making these plaques a reality to collectors such as ourselves.
Also, I have heard all sorts of horror stories about B&G plaques degrading over time, and I don't think the Matsuis would be subject to the same sorts of problems (although that is conjecture on my part). After all, with B&G plaques with lunettes (which is their distinguishing feature), you are fusing different types of plastic which may not like each other over the long haul. I've heard stories (and seen pictures) about lunettes separating from plaques over time, and the owner being left with nothing more than literally a puddle of plastic in return for his (or her) investment. Apparently once the degradation has begun, there is little you can do to stop it. I'm not sure if B&G has improved on this weakness (noticed on B&G plaques that are 30+ years old, generally), only that there wouln't necessarily be any incentive for them to do so. A casino supplies company (and a casino, for that matter) typically wouldn't care if a plaque lasted 30-50+ years or not-- they are not in the business of producing collectibles.
In fact, I was once told by a plaque collecting expert that they only way to prolong the life and forestall the inevitilbe degradation of a B&G plaque was to vacuum seal it in plastic against a pane of glass, and never expose it to any sort of light-- not a very attractive display option, IMHO. (And for me at least, if I can't display them, why have them?). Anyway, I'm not sure if the Matsuis are any different in this regard, but at least you don't have to worry about different types of plastic (i.e., lunettes vs. the rest of the plaque) not getting along over time, since the Matsui plaques are all made with the same type of plastic.
Anyway, I have to say that even though if I were a casino I would probably order from B&G for aesthetic reasons of the available options (although I have no idea of relative pricing of the two companies), I absolutely LOVE these plaques that we ordered in this group buy. They are, and probably will remain, the proudest part of my collection (at least that part that I actually use, rather than just display). Matsuis are a first-rate product, and I think they did a great job with these plaques. I have ceramic plaques as well, and IMHO there is no comparison-- the Matsuis blow them out of the water.
My only regret with the whole process is that I didn't order a few more.
Hope this helped,
bjjensen
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And I don't suppose I'll accidentally misplace any underneath a deck of cards. 
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