I am late to this thread, but let me share my opinion. (I own 2 London bests and 2 Spanish sidelocks) The reason for the exact inletting is not to show off superior skills but to provide a more secure structure. Notice the black screw heads imprint. This type inletting literally keeps the pins and bridle tight, they can't easily loosen. The more wide open inletting would allow a pin to loosen and back out. Also should a spring break it hopefully will stay in place, not fall into the mechanism and cause further damage. Further, the cost of living in Spain is less and the wages are less, which accounts for some of the cost difference. American custom gunsmiths do some of the best work available anywhere and they feel they deserve a good hourly rate. Thankfully we are still free to choose what to pay for such services and they are free to set their prices.

This ain't a dress rehearsal , Don't Let the Old Man IN