Bud, the question you're asking has a VERY subjective answer. I tore my hair out for over a year trying to find the perfect LPVO for me. I own or have owned every LPVO worth trying from about $2500 on down.
I have two main rigs. On one I run a TA11 ACOG with a Holosun on top and on the other a Nightforce NX8. My reasons for chosing those are subjective. From an objective point of view, considering things like field of view, the view through the objective, clarity of glass and robustness of build, I've gotta say that, for the money, the Gen II 1-6 Razor is still the one to beat.
Honestly, but for being a little heavy, I think an argument can be made for the 1-6 Gen II PST. At $500-$600, it's a heck of a scope.
In the end, I chose the ACOG for its simplicity, glass quality, size and weight, not to mention that it's bullet proof. I chose the NX8 for it's robustness of build, size, weight and glass quality. I did make sacrifices going with the NX8. Smaller field of view and tighter eye box, but it does what I need and it's so small that it doesn't get in the way.
Still, everytime I pick up my Razor, or even the PST, I'm amazed at what a shooter's optic each is. I see them as no compromise optics for their respective price ranges, at the expense of size and/or weight.
I'd start with a Razor in mind and make a list of those things you don't like about it, then find something that doesn't have those offending attributes and then decide what compromises you're willing to make. I was willing to compromise on eye box and field of view to get into something smaller and lighter.
If you don't mind the weight, the Razor is likely your answer. It may not be the absolute best choice, but it's rarely the wrong choice. It is an absolute joy to shoot with. There are two things that I don't like about it. The first is the weight, but it is what it is. The second is that it has a wire reticle. I prefer an etched reticle.
Oh, check out the Delta Stryke HD as well. Same scope as the Credo HX, but has an available mil reticle. I think the Razor is a better scope, but the Stryker is like $600 or so cheaper.
If you just want to dip your toe, find a used PST. Odds are that you'd be fine with it. Excellent 1x and good 6x. The only time I don't like mine is when I throw it on a 12.5 rig, adding almost 29 ounces and then throw on the light and suppressor and then have to carry it all around.
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