I just replaced the panels on my ReQuests. It's pretty easy to do, but factor the cost in if you go that route. Perhaps you can get the ReQuests for less money than the Vistas.
Another Option
Summits will fit in your price range if you buy used.
I have, and like, ReQuests. They are quite large, though. So a lot depends on your room. What are the dimensions?
I just hope that no one here confuses Gayle Sanders of Martin Logan with Roger Sanders. As far as I know, curved ESL's are patented by Martin Logan. That's why no one else has them.
I am skeptical of a lot of high-end products. Magic bricks, little wooden disc, power line cables. Many defy logic, and the golden eared gurus often refuse to participate in well designed double blind tests.
So, for speaker cable, I keep the runs as short as possible. And I get cable that is...