I compared 5 different scopes for clarity (during the daytime). "Cheap" ones and more expensive ones. I could not tell the difference. Maybe in low light there may be a difference. I don't think a $100 crossbow scope is much worse than a $200 scope. With riflescopes, the difference between a $200 scope and $1,000 scope may be obvious. But you have to decide whether the $800 is worth it.
I will always say it depends on the eyes. My only real testing was on my patio, several evenings, checking things like certain leaves, wire grid on my garden boxes (to keep rabbits out), etc. To me, the Excal Tact Zone was clearer in near daylight, but near dusk, the RMP was better for brightness. My eyes like the old Horton Hawke way more than the RMP for clarity, but someone else may think the opposite. Very hard to recommend a scope for someone else, but I do agree with your thoughts on speed and magnification. To me, high magnification in the woods is near useless. Others love it. I can definitely see a difference between the XBR and Huskemaw compared to any other crossbow scopes I’ve seen.
