Anyway, I wonder what you all think about the above scopes in
comparison to the Pronto - is there enough of a performance boost to
make an net expense of $700-1300 make any sense?

I have a Pronto and I also use it as a wide field scope that does OK at higher
powers.

I normally use it in conjuction with a DOB of some sort, set em both em, so if
I really want to see detail, I use a scope with some aperture to it.

My thinking is that the Pronto does a good job of doing what it does best, wide
field views at low and moderate magnifications. No need to ask it or a similar
scope to do much more because the aperture is just not there.

(Here comes my usual 2 centsl...)

I consider an 8 inch DOB to be a grab and go scope, definitely a quick setup in
the backyard. Might consider adding something like that to your arsenal. Less
expensive and it will show you more.

jon