I don't think that a free floating barrel always makes the rifle a better shooter. I agree with you that it is an upgrade because the maker has to take care when he attachs the stock. No doubt about that. However I have seen alot of barrels with the proper tip pressure that shot perfectly. And I have also seen many barrels if bedded properly that also shot very well. For example, I fullly bed my Encore barrels. And have seen a marked improvement in accuracy.

I know my Knight LRH is not free floated. I have the heavy laminated stock with the left hand palm swell(that I really like). And my LRH barrel is fully bedded along the entire stock. I know that it shows alot of detail for Knight to have made the stock with the left hand palm swell. They are the only mfrs. I have ever known to do that!! I can tell they took some time with the barrel fitting on my rifle. Or else I just got really really really lucky??

So whether it is free floated, or properly bedded it does show a tendency for a finer built rifle. However free floating is not always the best choice. Just an opinion. Tom.