I guess another way I look at it is that when I hunt, things are always changing. Where, when and how changes, sometimes several times throughout the day.

I just can't see putting a limitation on myself with a projectile that I know up front only works under certain "conditions". I want a projectile that will work in EVERY condition, I don't like to settle. I don't want a bullet that might or might not work unless I get a
"certain" shot. Also, I never said all the PBs were junk. I said that the ones above 295 grains were best and they were at their best when the powder charge was not too much. Personally, I think the 295 grain pbs are probably OK as long as the powder charge is in the 80 grains or so area. My reason for that is that I have seen the 295 grain PB w/ 100 grains of powder combo fail so badly so often.

If I were in a situation that I only could M/L hunt for a couple of weeks out of the year, I guess I would settle for less in a gun and probably could not or would not justify spending higher amounts of money. But, my gun season lasts from the middle of November until the 31st of January (I hunt with my switchback all of October and the first two weeks of Nov). Since where I hunt the only thing that is allowed is a shotgun, bow or M/Ler, I chose to go with a M/Rer and wanted one of the best. After trying the Optima and not being totally happy, I looked at several of the top end guns and settled w/ the Encore. My gun hunts almost every day, sometimes only for an hour or two after or before work, but almost every day. My gun shoots at least three or four times a week, usually lots more. Often at lunch I go to the range and try out different combinations of bullets, primers or powder. I have a little log book that I did this year to keep track of the deer I am seeing what the conditions were etc. Since Bow season, October I have hunted more this year than many people hunt in ten years. I am very blessed and lucky to be in this situation and I know that.
I see what works and what doesn't, what is bs and what isn't. I can't afford to buy something that will not hold up to heavy daily use whether it is a gun or a climbing stand.
I guess it is all in the eyes of the user.
Hank