Anybody think a Smith is worth $200-400 more than the Taurus Tracker?
Yes. I have a titanium tracker with 4" barrel in .357 that has to go back for the third time for a new cylinder due to flamecutting on the face. This last time it started with the 3rd shot fired after the last fix. I really, really, really, liked this gun but I am disappointed in it and wish I had spent the extra to get the S&W Mountain-lite like my friend bought at the same time and has never had a problem with, not to mention the S&W trigger is MUCH better. After this trip back I'll have spent close to the original price difference between them in shipping. The Taurus has spent about 5 months of its life back with Taurus during which time it's of course useless to me. "Hey Mr. robber, can you please wait until after Taurus returns my gun to break into my house?"
One other thing is that the Taurus Trackers, at least in .357 have much have shorter cylinders than the comparable S&W models. This is limiting when using heavy grain bullets. The Cor-bon 200 grain .357's are almost flush with the end of the cylinder. If one of them were to shift at all in the case due to recoil it would lock up the gun.
I think you'll also find resale on the Smith will be much higher.