PoppaGator,

I'm sure if Skarpi could come across a Martin like yours, and he had the price it could well be superior to the Blueridge. I believe, however, that with $700 dollars American he can't buy a Martin to compare. I should not have left out the very good Martin's like yours that are in that price range. I answered to quickly and not completely. I just felt he was trying to spend less and I've had great success with the Blueridge.

Here is one Martin, for example, in the price range you suggest, that I would consider if I wanted a D-18 somewhat like yours. Martin returned to the maple bridge plate around 1988 and this 2001 could be a good guitar if Skarpi wanted to pay the price.
It has the scalloped and forward shited x-bracing that could make it an exceptional guitar.
http://elderly.com/vintage/items/10U-4749.htm