Kit recommendations

Hi all, thought I would come to the fountain of knowledge that is
Usenet to get some advice on kits.

After thinking long and hard about it I have decided I want to build
an airplane. Not terribly suprising considering the group. But what
plane to build?

After looking at the list of needs v.s. wants I basically decided that
I really "need" 1 plane and want 3. As much as I love flying boats
(plane 3) I have decided that I will narrow this to 2 since
realistically planes that fit into what my "needs" are can almost
always be outfitted with floats.

So what do I need? Basically STOL planes with good bush capability.
Conditions are I am a 6 foot pilot who can vary in weight from
250-275lbs depending on how much exercise I am getting and find any
cocpit smaller then 30"s a sardine can experience. Looking for
something on the order of 300 mile range, 600lb useful load after
fueling, cruise close to 100kts, and probably tandem since I tend to
push folks out the other side of the plane or a narrow 4 seater that I
could easily modify for center stick. From a realistic standpoint I
want something with 1000 hours to build and as "complete" as possible
(firewall forward and basic VFR insturments a + but as long as it has
a firewall forward kit). Folding wings would also be a nice plus.
Cost is always a consideration. She who holds the purse strings is
afraid of heights so has never been convinced to come up with me but
hopefully will let the kids come along when they get bigger - for now
it's just me and my friends.

Short list in current order:
1. Avid Magnum
2. Aircomp Merlin
3. STOL701 (or 801)
4. Rans S-6S
5. Bearhawk
6. Murphy Moose/SR3500

Any other kits that I should also look into?

2nd "longer term" want - something FAST!

Is there any kit plane that has a reasonable build time (1500 hours)
that has the performance of an Osprey GP-4? I know the Van's can get
up to the 190-200's but anything that can get into the mid 2's with a
reasonable build time?

Thanks!