I think the problem with this conversation might lie with the fact that a lot of people hadn't heard of Tikka until about ten years ago.
Therefore they base their analysis on the modern Tikka, the plastic fantastic.
There's plenty of Custom builds based on Tikka actions, M55, M658 and the T3.
They make a plastic stock, a laminated stock, a Timber stock, I doubt they all are no good.
How many times do you here, Marlins are rubbish, Savage are cheap and nasty, Remington used to be good, Howa's are only cheap Weatherby's.
Tasco are rubbish, Redfield are only cheap Luepolds...
I buy what ever suits my needs, accuracy is high on the list, easy to handle, (left handed) reasonably priced, works well on a very hot day.
I bought Tikka because they were the most reasonably priced Left handed rifle avaliable at the time, with a good report.
If it had of been Weatherby or Reminton I'd probably have three of those by now.
Are Tikkas cheap Sakos? According to the website they are owned by Sako, have some Sako made parts, so I guess they are.
Honestly guys, are Mustangs better than Corvettes, ? no bloody way mate.