I can't help with the carpet question, but I know about the sill plates. There are 2 types out there. The shiney polished type, and the not so polished aluminum. I have a pair of the latter that you can have cheap.
Mike, what is the better quality sill? I think I may have the high polished ones (YO).
I quite like the subtle look of the "dull" ones, more classy to me.
Where did you get them from and why are you selling? Do you prefer the polished type ones?
Ps: Sorry to the original poster for this quick hi-jack, although it is somewhat on topic.