There is really not a lot of point in arguing preferences.Enjoy what you like.
Use what works for you.
Without putting anyone else's scope down,I have learned all I need to learn about "bargain" scopes.
Agreed,optical quality really makes a difference.
Another thing a lot of folks miss ,the whole rifle.scope pkg should fit like a shotgun.Close your eyes,naturally shoulder the rifle.Open your eyes,you should have full field.Thats not always possible with 50 mm objectives requiring taller rings
Its not the right scope for everyone,or all situations,but my 25yr old
6X by 42 mm Leupold gets it done. The 7mm exit pupil is as large as the human eye gets in the dark.Its a great low light scope.I have it in low Weaver rings.My face stays on the stock where it belongs.
The standard duplex is one mil center to tip of a post,or 2 mils post to post.
That gives me range estimation,and the hanging post for a 100 yd hold,center for 300 yd hold,and bottom post for a 425 yd hold.I don't ordinarily use that one.(257 AI,115 gr Nosler BT,I forget whether 3050 or 3150 fps.at 5000 ft)
I have used it in thick woods with no issues.
I have killed a lot of pronghorn with that rifle,and more than a few prairie dogs.
From about the 1950's through the 70's and into the 80's,there was not a more tried and proven typical deer/elk rifle scope than a 4X Weaver...typically on a 30-06 equivalent rifle.
It was a good choice then,and its a good choice now.
Someone mentioned watching the flies on the animal in the scope.Thats great,if that is what you want to do.
For me,walking Colorado mountains or crawling after pronghorn,rugged,light,compact,with pretty good optics is my priority.
If 6X,or 4X,is not enough magnification to place a heart/lung shot..its good to knowI am too darn far away,and I need to get closer.
I want to put a round in the boiler room.I can,and have,done that easily at 300 yds with a 1950 something 2 1/2 X Lyman Alaskan on my 1903A4 replica.
Yes,2 1/2 X was the Army sniper scope of WW2.Somehow it worked then.
What changed?
Unless its got to do with the rifle seldom being carried more than 100 yds from something that has tires.