Josmund

IMO the lug pockets are to shallow and the pocket walls are to thin. Placing the insert between the pockets re-enforce the whole works. I you look at me block you will see it also contacts the rear of the front lug which relieves and spreads the stress of recoil from shooting through out that area. This should prevent the rupture of the lug pockets - which can and does happen.

Free floating is the cheap way of gaining accuracy. If the whole stock was inletted to the action and the barrel it would be much better than free floating - but that takes man hours... man hours cost money - cheaper to float the barrel.