] Jody, are you saying that JA is equating Smith with being low class (i.e. artisan?)

I think what Jodie means is that it is just further symbolism of the disparity between the supposed "rich and honorable" and "low and dirty" people. JA says shows in Persuasion that not only are people prejudiced by class levels, but even simply by their names
(from the quote the Jodie gave us of what Sir Walter said).