OP, I am in the exact same boat as you. After days and days of frustrating research and much reading, and since I don't even know what I really want in scope at my level of experience, I plunked down $299 for a SS 12x. I came the conclusion that every variable optic under $800 was too much of a compromise between the quality and features I thought I wanted.
After I received the scope, I printed out scaled targets to simulate 600, 800, and 1K yards. The 12x seems enough magnification to be make hits, and I am trusting the plethora of good reviews for the mechanicals (I am impressed with the glass and adj. so far). Once I start shooting longer distances, and learn what I want or need, I can either sell it and recoup most of the money, or keep it as back up scope, or put it on one of my .22s.
Now....to get it mounted and get some practice!!!
My .02 as a fellow noob to long range shooting....