Sorry I really can't agree with the first part of your statement. Small blocks inherently cannot keep up with the potential of a big block. you have to go extreme on a small block in order to get the results of a mild to medium build on a big block.

All the rest of your statement though I agree with whole heartedly. (less fabrication, etc. etc.)

However, even with the extra webbing the R3 block is still out classed by these CGI blocks in terms of strength. It has nothing to do with webbing at all. It's because Compressed Graphite Iron in and of itself is much stronger than Grey Iron or more commonly known as Cast Iron! It's also much lighter. Which means that a CGI block would not be much heavier than a Small Block. 512 CID is a good starting point for a Big Block. But like you said in your post that's on the radical side of things.

Some of these R3 blocks cost right at the same price as the CGI big blocks. Also as I recall not only were the Hemi/Wedge CGI blocks 4 bolt mains but they were also of course crossbolted. Yet again stronger blocks. What will that extra strength be good for in the end? Even more ability to handle you guessed it More Power!

Yes, R3 smallblocks can be built strong. Yes, they would require less fabrication than a big block. Substantially lighter than the CGI big block? I'm not to convinced there. As strong as the CGI Block? No, I don't think so!