another good question, ..and several good answers. ..the 2mm exit-pupil seems a worthwhile 'rule'..and thus a 150x for >8" apertures...
..and as always, the "what if's".. "darksky/urban pollution", "novice/seasoned/jaded eyes"... there's no "what's right"..
as one who rushed in , averse to the "set-in-concrete" & the "from-on-high" ,..and ever the more satisfied that I did.. I can vouch for the logical "bite more when you've chewed enuff to swallow yer present mouthful without choking on it.."
...scales fallen from the eyes and an open mind will see far more in 30mm of rudimentary refractor than 500yrs of improved glass and unimproved mind....
but whatever your 'soup du jour', the expectation pixies will lead you a-merry stray, .. and leave you disenchanted if you let them.
every mag' opens into another room behind.. it's further into the trees, trying to 'see' that forest.... ..and perhaps 'the lesson' is "less is more"
Cheers
Russ