I am in Southern Illinois. Prety much agree with your consensus. What about the Maynard Jr? I see a few of these. Would rate it between 5 and 6 on your list. Had one Sure Shot in my hands a few years back. Condition was really poor and I passed on it for arround $100 to $125. Still kicking myself over that one. Ran a Little Scout 14 up to $500 recently on GB and never met the guys minimum. Then I chickened out. There is one on GB now but it is rough. Stock is cracked. Also never had a sideplate in my hands. Know where there is one, not in great shape. Guy wants $500. I would like to get it but bore is rough. I am still looking for the top 3 on your list. The 101 is on my list but not a high priority. See them on GB fairly often. Calibers do make a difference. Have a 26 1/2 Crackshot smoothbore.  Looking for .25 and .32. Just picked up a Marksman .25. Have .22 and .32. Have Favorites in .22, .25, and .32. Scopes are another whole subject. Picked up a Favorite with the correct factory scope a while back. Only one I have seen so far. It sort of amazes me how many boys rifles I ended up with. Primary interest is in 44's and 44 1/2's. First Stevens was 26 Crackshot .22. Still have it and it goes afer I am gone. Fascinating hobby. Welcome to the fun!

Strip the poly and use an oil finish. Will never be original again but would look better than poly.

Well, I for one am anxiously waiting to hear more about your new little stevens. I have two of the little 14's, and I'm very happy with them.  I hope you get a nice one.