George,
The more a rifle costs the less value you receive per $1 spent. We could all hunt with used Savages we picked up for $350 at a Pawn shop that shoot under MOA but where is the fun in this? Same thing could be said for the Ruger Americans
A shooter could always buy a lefty short action Remington 700. Next a decent stainless barrel and have a smith chamber and install it as well as a brake with a thread protector. Remember to pay to have the bolt skeletonized as well. Now buy a Triggertech trigger. Then send it off to get a good cerakote finish installed. Final step is to buy a decent carbon fiber stock and have a smith bed it. That would get you as close as you can to the MESA
Speaking for myself, variety is the key to keeping most of us older guys interested in this hobby. A rifle like a Mesa is not for everyone, but it sure is nice having the choice to buy one.
PS: I just bought a new lefty Savage Storm in .308
