I hear that a lot, when I pull out my Ruger 77mkII at dear camp amongst all the Kimber Super America's, Jarrett Customs and hell I've owned rifles that are $5K+ but the Ruger still shoots clover leaf groups.

As per the OP's article - I wouldn't say people are spoiled, it's just that when you have experienced what a luxury/professional grade piece of equipment is like - its hard to go back to shopping off the bargain rack and being happy.

Same holds true for base, rings, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars.

When good equipment works, does not break down, and gives me no trouble I am more than pleased. I like things and people I can count on.

After thinking about it, I like guns that shoot good with good ammo. I like feeding a rifle ammo that I know performs well, often to the best it can. And I feel like if I feed it something crappy I'm doing a dis-service to the rifle.

You have good taste in rifles Bigfoot. An M1A and Sako 85 are both top shelf. For my tastes, it would be hard to improve on either in a factory rifle. Dewayne's post sums up my point of view. I just wish I had snapped to it out of the gate.