If I may suggest ... delay your timing expectations on getting a gun. Save up and get what you want ... and not a compromise. You will be happier having what you want and the wait will reduce any cognitive dissonance you may get with a lesser choice.
I definitely understand where you are coming from, and have considered that. However, this gun is going to be a brush/hog gun, and going to spend a good part of it's life being dragged around Oklahoma or strapped into a backpacking rig. It is going to be used, a lot and rather roughly. I'm not saying that I don't take care of my firearms, I definitely do, but I am definitely a user. I wring every penny of worth out of my weapons.
With that being said, for my intents and purposes, I think a solid $300-400
Winchester or Rossi would fit the bill nicely. I can spend 2-400 on accessories and glass if I want, and do all the polishing and smoothing myself and have a real nice rifle. I feel as if a $1200 work of art would be a bit of a needless waste.
Now for my second lever action......