You and I have had this discussion before. We're both traditionalists insofar as martinis go. Have you considered Beefeater for your martinis? It's a whole lot drier than the Sapphire. I keep both on hand, because you need different gins for martinis and G&Ts. I want the aromatics you get from the sapphire in my G&T, and I want the driest gin I can find in my martini.
Also, re your reply to somebody, you mentioned that you haven't found a budget gin that you like. Have you tried New Amsterdam? That's what I use to replace BS in my G&Ts.
I've gone with Beefeater (or even Gordon's) when making martini's precisely for the reason you state - a drier bite - and enjoyed it tremendously. Yet, when I'm at the liquor store I kind default to Sapphire as a better all around gin because neither of the two I've mentioned make decent G&T's, IMO.
I
have tried New Amsterdam for G&T's but I find it a bit too far into the floral category for my liking. There just isn't quite enough juniper essence (which I enjoy) to feel like I'm having gin. My go to for floral gin is The Botonist first, Hendrick's second, no. 209 third (this stuff goes great with a watermelon garnish).
Part of my G&T issues stems from going on a low carb diet. The only tonic I use anymore is diet tonic so the gin needs to pair well with it. No more Fever Tree Elderflower for this kid.