Still it is all relative. My whole point was that I built a low cost rifle and it has done very well. At the same time spending another $2k to $3k on a custom rifle was not going to improve my scores. Spending money does not always bring success.Not about chasing records but getting the best rifle for your money and using that money smart. He is already planning a custom set up with a good action in a few months. That Howa money would be better spent on a barrel for that set up.
Besides I seen no harm in purchasing an entry level item just to get a feel for it. Who knows, he may have quickly learned that the ARC/Grendel wasn't what he was looking for either. In my case I spent nearly a year before deciding on building an ARC over a 6BR.
Then, even now I get people telling me a 6ARC bolt rifle is a waste of time and money.