Hi All-
I am said "Buddy".
Many thanks to those that replied to the OP- Just thought I'd follow up with my decision...
After carefully evaluating & shooting several new high and mid-range package bows (Diamond/Bowtech, PSE, Bear) at the local Sportsman's Wrhs I ended up following everyone's general advice and picked up a lightly used Bear Attack (top of the Bear line for 2010 I believe) on eBay.
It came loaded with all the goodies (top end Trophy Ridge everything: Judge sight, 5 arrow alm. 2 pc quiver, TR 6" Stabilizer, and a drop away rest), along with 5 carbon express arrows, 3 Muzzy BHs/2TTs, a Scott release (backup quality), and an extra pack of unopened BHs (so-so quality), TMD for 5 bills. Had it serviced at the local shop and set up for my specs. Also purchased a new release, pack of target tips, and an inexpensive target (total for service, release, tips, and target was another hundred- so there's the budget).
It is definitely a better quality setup than what was available new in the mid-range packages. I would recommend the same approach to anyone else looking to get into bow hunting. Just make sure you shoot the bows your looking at first (it was VERY helpful). I will be able to hunt with this setup, as is, for the next several seasons and then figure out what I want to do next (maybe nothing).
Overall, I couldn't be happier! The Bear Attack is light, quiet, accurate, and FAST (guys at the shop's indoor range were surprised).
Thanks for the wisdom/opinions gentlemen and good luck this season!