Done! I still covet the mak, but I will soon own a 70x500 refractor, which perhaps will end up being (a half acceptable?) finder scope
I figure a $150 refractor plus a $300 2nd hand dob would be a decent beginner combo, for both land and sky... I can't wait to get the refractor now, and point it at the moon!
Thanks to all for putting up with my frantic decision-making... I'm going to leave up my wanted ad for a 4" mak just in case, and look out for other 2nd hand equipment..