According to your math, 900-650 is 250. Right in the middle. If you concider only the bare minimum work that needs to be done to a 700 versus what you get whith a custom, the price comparison is a bit further apart like you say. For example, the traditional true up for a 700 does not include a sako style extractor or bolt handle reinforcement. Most of your good custom action do. Are these 100% neccessary? No, but I am a believer in them in a 700. I have had the factory extractor pull right out of the bolt while destroying the rim around the bolt face. Many shooters have had issues with their bolt handles breaking off as they are brazed in. The bottom line is, to make a 700 equal to a custom, the price difference is closer than you think. A 700 done right should cost more than 650 bucks. Between the base cost of the action, truing, a heavier recoil lug, extractor, extended magazine, bolt handle reinforcement, after market firing pin assembly. it should cost alot more than 650 bucks.