We will always have different opinions about what makes an instrument a "Guild". Some folks focus on the sound, some on the construction techniques, some on the design aesthetics, some on the factory location, some on the price, some on uniqueness, and so on. If I can still start an argument by insisting that an instrument that was built at home by someone who had a day job at a Guild factory, and used parts that were stolen from the factory (or liberated from dumpsters), is not a Guild, then we are never going to agree.
I will say that I see a lot of energy on LTG about the Surfliners and much of it is positive. That excitement is contagious to the point that if a Surfliner bass was announced (hopefully in blue) I would wait 24 hours. If the excitement remained for me then I would consult with Mrs. Fro. and place an order with my favorite dealer. I have not felt similar excitement about the Newark Street models since they were introduced and the non-USA acoustics seem to be "they're very good, great bang for the buck, but..." and the "buts" depend on the poster.
Thinking about it, I am looking for a Guild that I can get excited about and not looking for an instrument that stands out from the crowd by several measures.