Of late, Ithaca "torched" frames on customer's guns because of unpredictable warping problems caused when put back in the 'pots'. We have this stated in a letter from Ed. Thompson, Ithaca service manager at the time. I think this is still a concern when recasing.
Ken, Les is a man of integrity and certainly not a man possessed with greed. If anything, his prices are on the lower end of the range. He is only doing what he thinks is correct. I have always known him to up front with prices and work. If ones disagrees with his practices, go elsewhere but don't inpugn the man's charactor.