Mine also creaks only during open/closing. It's of perfect hight to .. well, resting arm
, it's finish is OE and fits very well with rest of interrior. If i were to nitpick at something, imho it's main drawback that it opens to side, not to back, thus making console box unfomfortable to use for passenger. Otherwise - imho must have addition.
P.S.
I haven't tried alternative arm rests, but i guess if i find height of this just right, then those that are much thicker/higher, may have comfort position issues.