My budget is not set by what's in the bank but by what you actually need to spend for a good level of performance.
My day started by seeing the new Sim2 Crystal (35 I think) at £4500 in a THX rated cinema room. Picture was good, but even the slightest room lighting washed out the image (screen was £16k worth too)!
Went onto Super-fi and had a look at the Epson 3600 and Panasonic 4000 in a white-ish room on a cheap pull down panaramic (something like that anyway) and immediately the picture was less affected by ambient light, motion was smooth no rainbows (LCD vs. DLP). The Panasonic seemed to have better blacks but the Epson was very good overall. Therefore thinking the Epson's bigger brother the 4400 would be good. Found it at £2100 with a free Yamaha v767 (no need for this).
Read a lot about the 2 JVCs but some of the specs seem low (contrast ratio and light output) next to the Epson. I'll be using it in a reasonably well light controlled room, but not perfect so thought the Epson may do better with my less-than-blackout room?
Nowhere has either JVCs for me to demo currently but the reviews make you feel you could buy one blind and be safe. The 350 seems amazing value at around £1600.
In summary I experienced better performance from cheaper kit - hence my selection being steered by real life performance as a balance rather than £££.