I've used BA and faxon on builds. I've been perfectly happy with them for the roles that I needed them for, but as I get older and look harder at what I'm actually making I think that a better barrel is always the right answer. When you're already throwing $1200+ into a gun, is another $150 going to really matter? Financially it's pretty insignificant, but it's the difference between an average barrel and a pretty good one. I'm not saying every gun should have a $500 barrel, but triarc, criterion etc are solid and worth the slight (in overall cost of the gun) increase in expense.
Edit: Also, what trigger? Your barrel, optic and trigger are what makes or breaks your rifle. I'd take a gun that was made out of bargain crap, but had a great barrel, trigger and scope over one with all the fancy shit, but a mil spec trigger, crap barrel and a tasco.