Occassional use detector advice

Hi everyone,

Apologies in advance for this "nightmare" type question, and my bad case of analysis paralysis.
I wasn't even sure how to title this.

I'm looking for advice on a first metal detector purchase.
I know that is a very common question, but I fit a category that isn't well addressed in the usual advice threads.
I'm in between cheap "big box" purchaser and hobbyist.
I don't fall into the category where I want a detector because I have illusions of getting rich off treasure.

For a long time, I've wanted a detector as another tool in my toolbox.
I've borrowed a couple for minimal use that shouldn't even really be counted as any level of experience.
For too many years I've not owned my own and am at a stage where I'm telling myself to just buy it.
It's the slowest impulse purchase imaginable.
If something is lost, it is a nice tool to have.
I'll dabble a bit, exploring a couple of friend's properties, but I know I won't be making it a dedicated hobby. I have too many already.
I'm a technical person, and do learn and educate myself on features of my devices.
That probably is to my detriment though, because I over analyze.
I'm well aware that a big factor is experience/practice, and not equipment.
I'll never become real proficient, simply because I lack the passion to dedicate the time as a hobbyist.
It will generally be a tool, but I typically shop more for value, than lowest price.

Everyone's first thought now is to say just get an Ace 250 or something similar.
I get that and it really would probably suit my needs.
Although my requirements are minimal for detecting, my budget can allow going up a bit.
Just like a car, anything gets you A to B, but you buy the "comfort package" because you can.
I might regret buying minimally, more for niceties, ergonomics, value, etc.
Within that category would be things like:
- backlight (using it in the evening after dark is a plus)
- waterproof, or at least weather resistant would be nice. (not being concerned about rain is a plus, even if it can't be submerged)
- form factor, compactness for transport, build quality, etc.
- battery type. I would favor AA over 9V. Rechargeable may even be a disadvantage.
- ease of use.
- type of ground balance.
- pinpoint, or lack of.

I've done a lot of reading of this forum and others, and watched a lot of videos.
I think I have a grasp of a lot of the key differences, and the technical background to understand.
Of course, nothing replaces real world experience from knowledgeable people, which is why I'm here.

I won't be using it near salt water.
IF waterproof, I might take it in shallow fresh water because I can. It isn't a deal breaker.
Soil would be typical southern Ontario, Canada farmland (or former), probably the same as any of the lower Great Lake states.

I'll be buying in Canada, so in Canadian dollars I'm willing to spend $500 or so, but flexible.
In the range, $350-$550, price is little concern.
I'd rather pay a little more, and be happy vs. being tight with the budget.
There are limits though, and I acknowledge just the complexity and learning curve of higher models isn't close to warranted, even if I could justify the price.
For example, something like an Equinox looks great for the features, but I know that is above my requirements and what I'd put into learning it.
My question might be best summed up by, "where is the (newbie) bottom" when there is willingness to pay for more than bottom?

For the price I'm anticipating, a Simplex or Vanguish 440/540 are in competition and one or the other checks a few of the "nicety" boxes mentioned above.
I honestly like the Vanquish better, as far as interface, tones, ergonomics, etc.
The Simplex has a lot going for it though, and waterproof is top of the list.
Waterproof is not essential, but nice to have. It might tip the scale.
As stated in many forum discussions, it is a hard choice and typically the advice is to get the Simplex if waterproof is required.
If the Vanguish were waterproof, I'd probably pick it and that isn't even factoring in multi-frequency.

Everything is a compromise, but things that I don't really like about what I see with the Simplex are:
- swing speed for a newbie
- tone sound
- tough to press buttons
- rechargeable battery
- proprietary headphones (really only a negative if compared to actual bluetooth on the 540)

The key differences are well known, so I'll just highlight the ones that are causing me concern and that I can't find simple answers to.

1. Opinions seem to be that the user interface of the Vanguish is a bit more newbie friendly than the Simplex.
I expect to use it infrequently, so is a that a big factor?
Assuming as the owner I can become proficient enough, is the Simplex too overwhelming as a loaner?

2. It seems the Simplex likes a faster swing speed.
Swings seem quite fast in videos.
I'll be new, awkward and slow.
That intimidates me a bit.
How much of a factor would that be?

3. Like I said, I'm not really going to be searching parks, etc. looking for coins.
Everybody likes to find it though, and nobody wants to leave it in the ground.
The Vanguish seem to have a reputation for disliking Canadian clad, even beyond typical.
Canadian coin seekers would not choose it, but that isn't me.
I may be using All Metal mode a lot, so is that even really relevant?

4. I actually prefer non-rechargeable batteries.
Since it may sit idle for extended periods, if the batteries need recharging before use it is a disadvantage to me.
Sitting idle may be a foreign concept on this forum, but has anybody found this to be an issue?
There is also the long term consideration of replacing the built in battery.

I think for the feature set, in my price range, the Vanquish and Simplex are hard to beat.
If waterproof is required, the Simplex is the only choice.
However, given the knowledge of users here, are there reasons they should not be considered?
For my purposes, do other factors outweigh the features of the Simplex?
If I were to give up waterproof, are there others that would be better suited in my situation than the Vanguish?

Some others considered:

Teknetics EuroTek Pro or BH Land Ranger Pro(preferred)
- Looks suitable for my purposes, and easy to use.
For not much more money though, I can get more.

F44
- Similar to above, but weather resistant, backlight, AA
It had been a front runner when I went down this path a couple of years ago (pre Vanguish/Simplex)

ACE
- Various models, but it seems without spending much more, I can get more.

Thanks