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Another option to consider is Chaos Mortals (or whatever the current nomenclature is) you'll have generally very few models, but they will be bloody powerful.

Of the ones you listed, I'd probably go with the Dark Elves, simply because both the the look of the models and the background details are cool.

As to the metal vs plastic thing, Warriors, Corsairs & Cold One Knights are all plastic, and you're definitely going to be needing those in your army.