Craig.
It's a jungle of stuff out there - I'm spending long nights researching this stuff also!
They all have something "wrong"
I'm still waiting for one thats has
-Rear connections on all channels.
-Mic AND line in on every channel.
-Analog inserts.
-Outputs.
-Front panel meters.
-Low price.
Most have 3 or 4 out of that list.
One inexpensive pre that doesn't get a lot of attention is the tube one from ART.
I'm slowly leaning toward skipping the external pres and just purchasing a Brikworm digital snake system and be done with it.