Today, dollar for dollar, is the 318 faster than the 340 ???

How is 5000-6000 dollars an expensive build in today’s money? If you are building things today like you did 35 years ago that is a sad thing.
did you read that post before replying and quoting it? he said 8-10k not 5-6k. but even at 5-6k some folks just don't have that money and are ok with the compromise being a 'cheapskate' brings. stop banging on about how it 'should' be done, we all know how it 'should' be done but we can't all afford it and that's it. people do what they can afford and it works for them. jeez!
to summarize, i agree that it 'should' be done how you say. but and it's a big but if the money's not there it's not there.