Pay no attention to the naysayers. If you feel comfortable shooting a 94 by all means it is a good starter rifle. Your comparison to a Telecaster is apt. Like a guitar, an important part of choosing a firearm is how it feels to you. A 94 is a classic, fun to shoot and a joy to carry. You didn't say exactly what you planned on using it for. If your plans include hunting get the 30-30. You will have to limit yourself to 200 yards or so, but most hunting is within that range anyway. If you just want it for plinking and self defense, consider a 357 Magnum which also shoots .38 Special. Pistol ammo costs a lot less, recoil is lighter, and the magazine will hold 10 shots instead of 5. And you can get one new for about three hundred dollars. As for a Marlin, they are good also, but it's really just a matter of preference, like Fender vs. Gibson. Marlins are better for mountng a scope due to the side ejection, but who wants a scope on a lever action? Ruins the whole feel and balance IMNHO. Pick one that feels right to you, and have fun.
While I'd lean to agree with your statement...It does depend on where you hunt. For example if you are hunting Eastern CO, Western KS, or parts of the prairie's of OK...200 yds might be a close shot. I shot a small eight point WT buck the other morning @ 200 yds.....I had clear shooting out past 600 yds, not that I would take a 500 - 600 yd shot..but you get my drift.