OK, here's another one...

ELEGANCE!!!

American double-makers appear reluctant to build a gun with a truly slim wrist (it might break!) or to trim down the muzzles (..might be too 'whippy'!), or build-in that fine, rakish look (..might not appear to be strong enough!).

The American market for firearms, and in fact all things, is very 'trendy' compared with the British market which relies far more on tradition. US makers must therefore stay one step ahead of a fickle market, and would ignore inter-net forum gossip, rumour, and heresay at their economic peril. All a Brit maker has to do is continue to make them like they always have!

Mike:
If a Searcy, for instance, achieved a similar weight distribution (ie moment of inertia) then it would indeed be sweet-handling, and Brit best guns would likely have no FUNCTIONAL advantage. Function is only part of the equasion when shooting doubles of course, most owners or aspiring owners are more or less influenced by these guns' romantic past in India and the Dark Continent, and that was primarily British! If you are going to shell out the kind of money a double rifle demands today, might as well get one you REALLY LIKE!!!