I agree with your recomendations.
My ex Silva Ranger 15 was an excelent compass. I lent it to someone, and they liked it so much they wouldn't give it back. We did trade for it though, and I havent got around to replace it. Hence I only lend cheap compasses now <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
The Brunton 8099 eclipse is on my wish list as well, known Down Under as the Silva 99 Eclipse Pro.

I have never had the problem of using the wrong end of my 9020's though because the lanyard attaches closest to you.

Recta I think is owned by Suunto too, but I am not quite sure of the exact relationship between them. They make good quality compasses too, I think it was Recta who gave Suunto the global compass needle. They supply the Swiss Army, but they are a bit short on other attachments <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
My Recta DP6 is one of the better mirror sighting compasses Ive used. Slightly better than my Ranger 15.
It slides apart, and a mirror drops below the compass needle, and it has luminous sights setup across the top like a gun. You sight across the top and look below in the mirror to get the reading. This is easier than looking across the top of the mirror and looking down on the Ranger. The mirror can be pushed out of the way into the body if not needed. It also pushes together so when it is unused it is all protected like a box. Used on a map it has the straight sides, but the ranger has a clear base plate, making the map a little more visable. Held sideways it has a clinometer and it also has a declination adjustment screw on the bottom.