I have no dog in this fight. OTOH: I am an opinionated old man, so here's my 2 cents worth:
The Marlin 39 is (was the longest production rifle action in the industry). The M39 came in several "packages" but all were essentially a M39 action. I have a Marlin 97 Cowboy which is a M39 action fitted with an octagonal barrel (26" long IIRC) and Marble Arms iron sights. It cycles longs, shorts, long rifle cartridges - all intermixed in the same magazine tube - without a hiccup. The receiver came predrilled for scope mounts and receiver aperture mounts. No 22 rifle does it any better than the Marlin 39.
My favorite 22 lever rifle is the Browning BL-22. The lever has a 33* throw so I can completely cycle the rifle simply by opening and closing my fist. Its as accurate as any 22 rifle I've ever owned. It's also light weight, easy handling, and extremely reliable.
In years past I've had the opportunity to buy both a Winchester 9422 and the 9422 Magnum. And for whatever reasons, I did not. By virtue of the ways the receivers were manufactured, I wish I had them both. OTOH, I have friends who have them and use them and theirs are no more accurate than mine are, but they are slightly heavier to tote. But "Boy Howdy" they are fine rifles.
Now as for plastic lever actions, I have one. It isn't Henry. I don't like like Henry. My dislike for them is purely personal. As well, don't WANT any rifle with plastic guts. OTOH: several friends of mine have Henry 22s and like them.
Having said all that I do have a plastic 22 lever action rifle.
Mine is a Remington Nylon 66........ Yes, Virginia, there is indeed such a critter, only its not actually a Nylon "66". Its the same rifle but was marketed as the Remington Nylon 76 Trail Rider.
IIRC I got it in 1963 or 64 and its served me since. Yes, its accurate, Yes, it's ultra light weight. Yes, I've even paddled a canoe with it ('cuz I could). Yes, I still shoot it after 51 or 52 years.
... and for 52 years now EVERY time I've levered a fresh cartridge into battery I've been dead sure the lever was going to snap like a wet twig. Mushy, mushy, mushy... but the darn thing still works. And amazingly, like most Nylon 66s, its accurate. Go figure.
If i had to pick one lever action 22 for now and evermore it'd be the Marlin.
My favorite is indeed the Browning BL-22.
"Others need not 'apply' "