I have the Airtronics RDS8000. If you don't need servos, it might be the least expensive option of 'better' radios. You can get one with one receiver for $180 from Hobbypeople.net. 8 channels, tons of mixes, easy to use, comfortable to hold. etc.

As far as quality, all of the above brands are good. When I think of 'middle of the road' I think of the amount of features and channels, so I would imagine 6-8 channels.

Really depends on specifically what you need the radio to do.