I don't know of a 318 guy that wouldn't take a 340 if they were both priced about the same....
Like I said before, a 340 is now the collector guys engine or a certain class of racing engine. At least that's what the price reflects.
318's aren't even "12 pack and i'll pick it up" pricing any more. 340's are near unobtainium and left to resto or numbers guys, unless you're the kind of goofball that has to have a 340, and then you'll pay for the privilege. or you get lucky and scoop somebody's project at market rate. 360's aren't exactly drying up, but with the 340 market being what it is, they're now more desirable and their pricing is a direct reflection of that.
so that leaves the "lowly" 318 as the best choice of make do with what you got. and as you've proven, you can do a lot more with a 318 than most of the naysayers, jaw jackers and bench racers think.
will they every be the vaunted 340 or carry the idea of romper 360's, no. but that's also not the point. but they can and do make respectable power when built right.