There are some really good deals on AR lowers right now. Palmetto State Armory has a sale on their lowers for about $70 with free shipping. My brother just bought a PSA lower and said it looked great. I agree Bravo companies has a good reputation for value and quality. PK firearms also has good prices on uppers.
I also like the E O Tech but I have a back up iron sight and no magnifier on my duty rifle. I also have a 16" 6.5 Grendel AR with a 2.5 X 10 Lighted Reticle scope which gives the AR a little more range and punch. (6.5 Grendel is a 7.62X39 case necked down to .264/6.5 MM).
AR's are just as addicting as cars only its called BRD (Black Rifle disease) and has been known to cause people to catch BPD (Black Pistol Disease).