I used to buy guns from academy all the time until I met someone that could give me a better deal. They always seemed like it was such a hassle to help me out and gave me attitude even though I was in there to spend 5 to 600 bucks on a gun. I just use them for reference now, to handle the guns and see if I like it before I get it from my FFL. I make it a point to take my time and annoy them as much as possible now.
There is a review of the Marlin "XS7" in November's Shooting Times magazine. They now refer to both the long action and short action guns as "X7" models. The author reviewed the long action version in March 2008. He was very complimentary of the X7 in .308 (also available in .243 and 7mm-08). Final quote, "The X7, in present and future models, is not just a great budget-priced rifle, it's a great rifle period.". The future model comment refers to the heavy-barreled versions in .308 and .22-250 due out this fall with 26" barrels instead of the current 22" barrels.
Sounds like a serious contender for my next center-fire rifle.