bgi - I think you can never go wrong with a Meade. Very good lens and great tech surport if you need it. The only thing about Meades I don't like is the cost. I think Orions are just as good, but they are alot cheaper. You can get a 8" Orion Reflector (Skyview pro 8) with a dual axis drive for less than $600. That reflector will be able to see alot of deep space objects. But the Reflectors are pretty bulky (around 60 or so lbs). The refractors you talked about are very good. You might want to try think link since you don't mind forums. http://www.njnightsky.com

And I love the idea that everything cost $20 and pay cash for everything. But my favorite thing to do is say "Hey I got it on ebay, and if I don't like it I can always resell it." That ones works all the time for me. Of course I have never sold anything on ebay, but I don't have to remind my wife of that...LoL.