I've personally used 788s in 222, 22-250, 243, and 308. I still have a 308. Never had any problems with any of them and they all shot very well. Usually under MOA. I would take a 788 anyday over the 700. I'm not terribly fond of the 700 for a lot of the same reasons you cited for the 788. My favorite remingtons are 600, 660, and 788s. I've had problems with all of the remington 700s I have owned. I've only had two but that was enough for me.
