I don't think you'll find any experts suggesting Sherwood Gibson is any thing less than FTW. FTW has a pretty cult image, which is awesome - my impression is Sherwood / Ventana hasn't rolled that way, but is no less of a craftsman.
I'm not questioning the craftsman ship of either of those fine gentlemen.
I suppose my opinion is tainted as I view aluminum as an inferior material to make bicycle frames out of. Steel and Ti are much better at being more compliant, repairable, and generally will outlast all other materials (aluminum and carbon fiber). My take is that aluminum and cf have a finite shelf life, they are disposable frames due to the fact that they are not designed to last forever. Aluminum will fatigue and eventually crack, CF will eventually delaminate and or have a sharp object produce a failure.
The only thing aluminum has on Ti or steel is that its lighter (arguably) - and weight is generally a stupid metric to judge a bicycles performance by.
Hence my thinking that a 1400 unpainted aluminum frame is over priced (regardless of who welded it).
Personally, the paintjob is mint. The frame itself...... less desirable. Definitely giving me inspiration for when my Switchback needs a new coat of paint.