So how bad would this CAI FAL be?

[BillyOblivion]

Standard FAL stock, or upgrade to a Para. The abomination on the rifle currently has got to go.

I'm not usually one to worry overmuch about the looks of a working firearm, but I'd agree with you. That thing is awful.

[Dogbrains]

I purchased a Century FAL from J&G last year (thanks Barack for the tax credit!)
It has functioned fine for 300 rounds of German surplus.
I replaced the front sight when I ran out of adjustment and it still shot low. Century was using Israeli or Argy front sights, so look closely.
2nd change was a DSA safety lever. The Century can be pushed past fire and disables the rifle. The DSA has a catch to stop at fire, you also need a pin for the hole Century provided.
Forturnately my rifle has the humpback stock.
Obama tried to ruin J&G during Fast & Furious, so I recommend you buy the rifle.