That's his part of the discussion. His opinion, and a good one. If we could tell you exactly what you want to know here, we'd be rich. To know the perfect scope(fixed or variable) at the perfect magnification, for the perfect price....why would there be more than one?
Personal preference and needs will dictate the glass. Funds will be up to you. The best for your coin might be a Tasco...and the best for someone else's coin might be NightForce. I know less moving parts in a lens will yield sharper, clearer, and more consistent images. That being said, you give up the field of view change. Glassing over an area for movement and being able to have a good field is a plus, but if your paper targets aren't moving...and you always know where you are going to shoot....do you need a zoom? Sure, if the price was right for you.
What magnification do you find yourself using most on current scope? Maxed out? Does it ever change? If not, a decent fixed scope may be the ticket for you. Stain had a lot of great points that I think you're skimming past. I don't know how much you read past the 800meter comment, but I suggest you look closer. He was very much involved in your discussion, even if he didn't say what you expected to hear. Sorry, but I take your comment as a disrespect to a very knowledgable person who took time to put his two cents in. Not once but twice you referred to his opinion as not part of the discussion
He told you what the best bang for your buck was. Keep what you have, it's a great lens and will serve you well. If you outgrow that one, get out your wallet....it's gonna hurt.