The only good idea in the Savage design IMHO is the floating bolt head...
The Accutrigger is not a trigger design at all,...it's an automatic safety design to make up for a poor trigger design,..as well as allowing anyone with the tools and inclination to lower the trigger pull to unsafe levels without worrying (too much) about an AD...but it does work as intended.
The wedge pushing the recoil lug rearward does the same thing that Ruger designed into the M77 in 1967 with it's angled front guard screw......that is, pulling the recoil lug back against it's abuttment as well as pulling the receiver down into the bedding....nothing new there...just 40 years later and slightly different means to the same end...
Once barrels are properly headspaced into most bolt actions they would be much easier to swap without a goofy barrel nut....
and the smooth barrel nut is not new...Savage used it on the Models 325 and 340 years ago....
I am very impressed with the accutrigger as it has one of the nicest pulls of a factory trigger at 2lbs (compare that to a new gen Rem). Has no overtravel to speak off and breaks cleanly.
I DO like the extra safety that lever provides. In a hunting situation, it could really save your hide if you have a fall or drop the rifle. The fact that it can be adjusted at home, great - saves $$
There is a reason a trigger safety is pretty much standard in all working HG's. Think Glock, XD and the likes.
I agree, the wedge lug is a band aid solution to an ongoing problem but I don't see us going back to properly inletted stocks anytime soon. It is better then the alternative BUT there are better solutions.
The Accustock could be so much more.
That Goofy barrel nut does require more steps then a shouldered headspaced to swap BUT considering the cost to shoulder headspace a barrel, using the nut is a godsend to those that like to try all sorts of stuff.
I just got a very old Svage 340 and it does have a slotted barrel nut. The other 3 that I have had over the years had the same style. I have not seen a smooth nut on a Savage until the recent stuff - AND I AM NOT IMPRESSED.
I doubt anyone is going to want to spend $250 to 300 PER barrel if you want swap out a dozen barrels.
With the strong dollar, prechambered/threaded match quality barrels can be had in a huge range of chamberings for about the same cost as some match barrel blanks. That is amazing value.
The floating bolt head is wonderful and really the cornerstone of my love for these actions too. But their quirks, often criticised is why they absolutely leave conventional actions in the dust.
YMMV.
Jerry