Ha ha ha... I bought my Oracle about the same time and I'm pretty sure I overpaid. Now I come to find out it's considered a middling-to-lame AR?
BUT that won't be the last time for me either. Too many times I passed up a chance and later wish I had paid twice what I had the chance to pay cuz I didn't get a chance again or some BS like that.
I was a penny pincher for most of my 20's and 30's, I would bargain shop, buy the cheaper off brand one. Then when I went to use it, I would realize it was cheaper for a reason. I still bargain shop(most times), but am more so a brand shopper. If I can get an off brand for a few bucks cheaper, I have come to realize I don't want to purchase this item again and spend more replacing it.
I have a few quality items from 20 years ago that I still use, the bargain items have been replaced multiple times.
When it comes down to it, you save a few bucks up front, and spend double on the backside.
Worst thing I ever did was buy a 05 Ford f250 6.0 diesel, freeken paid for that POS twice when I added up all the damn repair bills. Every friend of mine told me to stay away from this model Ford, but I had to find out for myself....;:;banghead