Fair enough, and I didn't intend it to sound like I was picking on you because you actually presented a far more balanced approach and perspective. My big issue with this and many other hunting forums is everyone seems to want to have the perfect setup for the most extreme distance or condition in every case. The whole problem with that approach, is the best 1000 yard hunting gun is rarely the best 200 yard hunting gun. You have to compromise on one side or the other. My view, since 98% of all game is shot at less than 500 yards and probably 95% is at 250 or less, I believe the guns should be optimized for the conditions you see the vast majority of the time.If you look back I said the hornady Superformance with the 165 SST was probably his best bet.
On top of that, heavy kicking light guns are NOT what 95% of all people can shoot well, especially off of sticks or from awkward positions. I have used a 375 a lot for hunting, recoil does not bother me, I even own a 460 I use just for giggles, but me telling others to do that because I like it is just bad advice. I cannot tell you how many people I have guided that can't shoot light recoiling rifles well even at 100 yards. Good shots are rare, good shots with the heavier recoiling rifles under hunting conditions are REALLY rare. For a great many people a Suppressed 16-20 inch barreled 308 is pretty close to being the perfect all round hunting rifle, especially if they use it to practice off of sticks, their knee, shooting freehand etc.. I just wish we could use suppressors up here.