From my observation when the "American Classics) were being built the Parker was the most expensive of the lot. Some of the other makers made a few high-end grades which were comparable with Parker, but over the entire field, Parkers were higher priced.

This I believe is reflected in a higher refined gun, particularly in the lower grades. That said I personally much prefer Lefevers even though they are not quite as highly finished internally. They finished their guns where it was important to their function but weren't as particular as Parker overall.

Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra