I'm with you guys and the 'pencil barrels'... why anyone would want to pack a hunk of steel they use for heavy barrels around for a hunting rifle is beyond me!
Rugers...what do you 'want' to hear?
I think Ruger has definitely improved their quality over the last couple years, whereas we do not sell a large number of Rugers, they do have a localized following.
From what I hear from the clientele, Ruger has improved in the accuracy department, not being a dyed in the wool Ruger shooter myself, I cannot offer much first hand experience other than what I know from modifying and repairing them.
A modified Mauser design, they are heartily built and exhibit somewhat pleasing aesthetics. Accuracy has always eluded Rugers as compared to some of the other manufacturers but I heard that Ruger changed their barrel vendors, or started doing the tubes themselves...Who knows, but the accuracy is supposed to be fairly descent now.
Maybe some of the Ruger pilots will offer some input!
I have had several M 77's and have gotten rid of them...never really appealed to me.
I have a 77/22 that I have heavily modified for bushytail bustin'...about the only thing Ruger about it is the receiver and bolt, again it is well built and the accuracy before mods began was good for a 22MAG.
I think the Winchester Sporter and the Savage 14/114 are fine rifles, superbly balanced with barrels long enough to offer descent ballistics from 'most' cartridges. The Savage has proven to be somewhat more accurate than the Winchester, but your splitting hairs at that point.
I have to agree with you for the most part, but if you are going to disgrace a rifle by using a stock made from recycled Coke bottles you might as well go for broke and add holes. I prefer a nice wood stock, unless of course it is a phased pulse cannon looking rifle. 
