[Benny]

Nice flutes are nice but lots of practice is even nicer. My personal opinion is that a higher level flute is good if you are in a position to take advantage of what it offers ie: do you have enough chops.
There's no point buying a super fast car if you can barely control a Toyota Corolla.
Honestly I wouldn't bother spending more. A more expensive flute won't help your double tonguing, your ability to play T&G front to back or knock out Andersen op.33. Only lots of practice really helps you sound better. I wasted my time on flutes for years. Fact is, I couldn't play it for **** until I had some lessons with a good teacher and got stuck into the practise.
As for materials, maybe read this then make up your mind.
http://bulldog2.redlands.edu/fac/julie_rathbun/physclasses/brad.pdf