I love the look.  I never wanted to go totally smooth with my bed, but I was thinking using a bead roller and doing something similar....it just wouldn't have the impact yours does.  I likey!  I like it alot!
Tools are a sound investment, no matter what the cost.  You do a couple of beds with inserts like that, it'll pay for itself.  I know if you were more local to myself, I'd have you do some sheetmetal for me!