If you want small batch assembly that can handle variation I have heard good things about http://www.smallbatchassembly.com/ in USA. They are more manufacturing 2.0, they have a nice automated web based system
I don’t know why the European manufacturers are producing a single board for the price of 50 produced in China.
I’ve used www.seeedstudio.com for all my orders so far and the quality was great. Took them roughly one week to have them produced and shipped and then two more weeks for delivery.
And just to give you an example, I paid for my last order of 50pcs 35x60mm boards about US$26 plus US$14 for s/h fees. The shipping is a bit expensive but at the end of the day, you’ll end up paying ridiculously less than the european or US manufacturers.