AJ pretty much hit it on the head.. The 700 might be/not be the best, but it sure has the most components and it easy for gunsmiths to work on.
Those attributes make it desirable, but certainly not a value IMO for the money when you blueprint and accurize to a comparable level.
Many of the 700 clones are really not clones, they just basically have the same footprint. Most are out of the box truer, faster ignition, tighter, longer barrel tenons, better and more reliable extractors and most importantly smoother and at less money than a trued 700.
Now some will jump up and say their 700 out of the box shoots 1/4" or better with no work. Yes, for at least one group which is a whole other discussion on repeatability vs best once in a lifetime group.
BH