So I'm well aware that such boats are "better"
than the MacGregor in a number of ways, particularly for blue water
sailing.

This is a vast understatement. The Mac will simply not be much fun to sail
after a short while. It's not a very capable sailor at all. For daysailing I'd
think a boat that's somewhat entertaining to sail would be a priority. I'd
rather have fun on a good performing boat in restricted waters then have better
range in one that sailed poorly.
Just my 2 cents.

RB