So, based on everything I've read, researched, ordered, and seen...I'd recommend the following for NEW, budget-friendly, fully-compensating, 3+1 euphs:
Under $1k budget - Monzani MZEP-1150 - The silver-plate version was $646.34 shipped (lacquer would be under $600). I find no discernible difference between it and my Schiller Elite euph which I've had since 2011. Both sound GREAT and the valves are nice.
https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD...BLA0002559-000
Under $1.5k budget - John Packer JP274 - There are eBay sellers that are currently accepting $1250 offers for new ones in lacquer finish ($1343.75 shipped). These are heavier than the Jinbao stencils, which is probably why you see them in a lot of school settings...they hold up well. While made in China, their design and manufacturing are managed by John Packer ("we don't do stencils").
https://www.ebay.com/itm/175424707616
(I'll add some pics later on in this thread.)
[Note, this is as of the end of Nov 2022]