Not sure about all the negative feedback on Richards Microfit. I bought a Culbertson prone stock from them a couple of years ago, and though it did take a couple of months to get it, it's pretty much as-advertised. More recently - late last summer - I ordered a couple of sporter stocks from them, and got 'em within three weeks. Sure enough, there's still work to be done on them - but that's how they're advertised.
And as far as Rutland laminated blanks are concerned - it's my understanding that's where the vast majority of stockmakers get their blanks.
The only laminated stock I've ever had real problems with was a thumbhole silhouette model for a 10-22 that was really hard to work with - I kept tearing out chunks of laminate while sanding with anything coarser than 120grit paper. On that subject, I've also found Shehane's obeche laminates are very delicate when it comes to inletting for ejection ports, bolt stop levers, etc. You've got to be extremely careful in order to avoid turning up splits & splinters when working around the edge of the action inlet with any sort of rotary tool.
