RevJim,
You're certainly doing a great job of representing your GS.
I have had some experience fixing a couple of the problems that clients have run into using HTC, besides noting that his prices are higher than much of the industry.
I think you need to look into this a little deeper and do a lot more price checking.
You can get the top riflemaker in the U.S. to blueprint and barrel a Remington action you provide with a Bartlein barrel they provide for $715.00 and this is with the top barrel maker in the U.S. as well. They have the Remington actions in stock if you need one.
It's a 2-month turn around for a barreled action.
Seriously, look for some more prices and a better known set of gunsmiths with which to compare prices.
If you need help locating a few, post again or let me know.
Regards.