I see that most people in this thread perceive the term "quality" only from an utilitarian point of view. Which is OK as long as they don't refuse to acknowledge other aspects of it. For example, blued finishes were referred to as "bespoke"?!? I'm sorry, but to consider a simple hot tank bluing a bespoke job is ridiculous. Yes, I understand that blued finishes have shortcomings, but I know how to care for them. And I know when they are appropriate and when not, but to scratch them out all together simply because nitrocarburizing does some jobs better and therefore must be the higher quality finish is one dimensional thinking. To put it this way - just because trainer shoes, or baggy combat trousers are good for the gym, or in the field does not mean that you will see me wearing them in the city. Sport jacket, chinos and leather shoes for me, please! After all, I'm not 16 anymore and I DO care how I look. This does not mean that I consider one to be of higher quality than the other, only that I recognize the specific use of the said items.
Wooden stocks - since when a plain machine made walnut stock became a "luxury item"? Sure, a polymer stock is more rugged and less demanding in terms of maintenance, but some of us DO prefer wood. Same with stamped Vs. machined parts - they both do the exact same job, but some of us still prefer a good, properly made machined part. Just because. To say that guns of the past were less accurate, more prone to stoppages and etc. is incorrect generalization at it's best. There were lemons then, there are lemons now - I will just mention Remington R51 & RP9...
I understand cost cutting, people demanding more for less money, but when you see an "upgraded" model firearm with stamped sheet metal parts, machining marks everywhere, plastic instead of steel and etc. and at the same time costing more compared to the yesteryear model, leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. It all comes down to aesthetics. When I see a well finished gun with proper tolerances and of a good design - not only engineering, but looks as well it pleases my eyes. And please don't try to convince me that only the plastic-fantastic guns are worth it, because I've seen my fair share of modern engineering marvels choke and brake in every imaginable way and at the same time the outdated steel & wood guns just keep on ticking.
"Quality" means several things to me - it's not only utilitarian use, but finishing, proper tolerances, attention for details, craftsmanship and aesthetically pleasing. And one last word - a true good modern benchrest rifle is as bespoke as you can get and at the same time made with the most modern tooling and parts available. And, much to my surprise, with no stamped, cast or whatever cost-cutting-state-of-the-art parts... But yes, quality (REAL quality) comes with a price.