I too have been doing some research and have relegated myself to spending around $350 for an Eotech. They may be overpriced perhaps, but the satisfaction factor is high if you read the reviews. And they easily move from gun to gun and maintain zero.
When it comes to optics A) It's a very competitive market, which is good for the consumer and B) You get what you pay for regarding material and labor. ie. lens, tube, build, tolerance, robust, complexity etc.
I would like some magnification but for the first round I am equipping a Ruger Mini 14 for 50-75 yard suburban defense use. It could also serve will on a 10/22.
Perhaps Bushnell has gotten their act together on a $100 scope?? Many of the reviews were back a few years.
Have you ever compared a pair of cheap binoculars to a decent pair? World of difference and I suspect this is true with scopes to a large degree.