i said the same thing earlier in this thread, but some still insist that a performance 318 isn't possible and put down any builds that prove otherwise. just it seems because the 318 is worthless. as you say it's still a mopar and it CAN make sensible power for a sensible budget. most are agreed that it's a hypothetical discussion and they'd pick a 360/5.9 given the choice but others just take every opportunity to 'slag' the 318 and the op. there's no need, again as you say.
also several of the posters who say the '318 can' have also said given the choice they'd build a 340/360 (including me) so not 340 haters at all. their cost just means that mostly they will go to restorers who 'need' the 'right' motor.