Question about the price of 340s

WE can bash each other. we just can't allow "outsiders" to bash any of us...lol

The 340 is the smallblock version of the 426 Hemi. It has a deservedly good reputation, and could only be had in performance cars. So the up-charge is few made, and the reputation. As others said - any engine can be built and marketed as a 340's equal. In many cases for a street car the resulting engine will probably be better than the 340 would be. But - if you have a 340 car, and it's got a 318 or 360, or a stroked based on those, it's already been diminished a little by the fact the 340's not between the fenders.
If it was me, I'd find and buy a 340. They are not impossible to find, but the initial buy will cost you more. Price of having a 340 car vs a slanty or 318 version.