I had to pick up a quickie back-up rifle for deer camp when on a trip out of state a while back, ended up with a 336W from Wal-Mart ... still looks good, shoots great, and I just compared it to the 336C on the rack at a local Sportsman's Warehouse, and I've just gotta say ... the new 336s look and feel like doodoo. That matt finish and the fugly wood, ouch! My W is beautiful in comparison, and you guys are right, the older slim forend is much nicer; even the birch stock on mine isn't bad-looking compared to the new furniture.
I'm with jeepnik; I don't go that owners forum anymore for wisdom, although a couple friends' experiences bear out the fact that the Remlins are still not up to snuff.