Pistons...tell me about them

[Jeff]

It its coming on the time that Jeff drops $500 more dollars on his $300 car. I needs to get me some pistons to get this thing on the road. So, I ask you, who makes the best pistons for a 275-300hp app that will be dealing with high heat for longer periods of time? No, "Honda" is not a good answer here.

Options-
J&E-

Pros-
Forged
Can buy them in singles
"Highest Quality"
Used in n-ass-car
Cons-
Bling Bling $500 just for pistons...no rings or pins
Require rework of rods

Venolia-

Pros-
Forged
Can buy them in singles
Comes with rings and pins
Cons-
Supposidly have strange expansion rates that lead to knock
Require rework of rods

Mahle-

Pros-
Cheap $128 a set
OEM part
Uses stock rod bushings
Cons-
Cast
Cheap
only a little messup on the A/F ration = meltdown

I'm thinking forged is needed, and the middle of the road might be the best option. Let me know what experience has shown you guys. Can I get buy with the cheapies or should I go all the way to the top?