And a Lotus with only a 1600 cc engine would leave that Slant six - so what is the point?

My original point was, I saw someone who I felt had gotten ripped off and ripped themselves off.

Maybe if more people lived on a very limited fixed income they'd be more inclined to shop around to get the better pricing.

As to porting, grinding out the ports, and polishing them, what does this function do? What is the end result?

Most engines built in today's high mass production society are anything but well machined engines, where every part is polished and built with Care!
It is surprising that a Tecumseh small engine has many polished parts. Actually, I was a bit surprised! Honda does this also.

But, what does it actually do? For one, it allows the engine to breathe much more easily.

Remember, we are not talking about a 850hp engine or a 5000hp engine.
But rather an engine that is if anything very much underpowered!
So, every small amount makes a large difference.

A good example is at the drag strip. A very small change can make the difference between winning and taking 2nd place. Something as small as the way a nut looks like inside the engine.

Every thing done isn't always for Speed! sometimes it is for more effeciency.
Why do automakers place onboard computers in cars? They're not a racing vehicle, so why the computers?
Why buy a tire for your car that rolls easier? Is that for speed or for fuel mileage?
Why do guys put on K&N air filters on their Mercedes? Why do Mercedes Benz catalogs advertise K&N filters? Do they think we are all out for speed and high performance?
Don't suppose that this small thing could make the car actually perform better, could it?