I'm still looking to put together a travel setup, first choice for a centerpiece being a FT-817ND. The guys at ar15.com (it has a great ham radio forum) are buying up KX3s in high numbers this year but that is too rich for my blood, for something to throw in a suitcase or plunk down on a rock. Plus with all of its features, it still lacks some that I want.
But with increasing numbers adopting the latest thing, I'm seeing 817s starting to drop south of $500 - and at that level I can afford to drop in the dual filter kit and have a serious QRP kit (and SWL too) that won't break the bank.
Patience. Speaking of which I haven't asked you in a while - have you, uh, you know...?