Questor - honestly my friend, I do not consider Wiley Clapp all that eloquent or unbiased. He seems to treat some products well and others with some degree of disdain but hey, he probably feels he is a legend somewhere.
I just received the new Ed Brown catalog and yep, their entry level 1911s go straight on for 2 grand with their Classic Custom Stainless 1911 going straight on for 3 grand.
Now, if you want to bet your butt on a $3,000 pistol, that's up to you. My Springfield Government Model cost me less than $400 in 91 and the most expensive accoutrement is one of Ed Brown's drop in barrels, at $185 (still the same price now). And I bet my butt on that piece every single time I stuff it into my belt.
Geez, for $3,000 I could probably get 3 or 4 Springfields............... Mikey.