I've been loving it since you posted, even though my knowledge of Bucks County is limited to what I see on here for the most part. Half-stocks never get the respect they deserve, and I like the way you think about projects for earlier builders. I am doing a similar concept (different area, southern) half-stock now, not for reasons of economy, but because it is a target rifle and h/s seems to simplify things. I can see however that it could be a very economical way to go also, as a straight barrel and half-stock blank are very reasonable. I like it even more now.
Off on a tangent: does anyone build the New England halfstocks seriously? I have no personal ties to that area , but some of the guns are quite stunning in their own way, and it seems a shame that there aren't more builders (who may have ties to that area) building them.