You are 100% right but never be able to convince the "purists"I'll probably get flamed for this, but I think they are the best 30-30 on the market is the sub-$800 range. They balance like a Winchester 94, but have the more solid action and scope mounting ability of the Marlin. The tang safety, while unnecessary IMO, is preferable to the cross bolt of the Marlin. The birch stocked model is kind of plain, but the walnut stocks I have seen on them have been very nice.
I would rather pay $400 for a new Mossberg than $700 for a beat up Winchester 94 that sold for less than $200 when new,,,