are there any shortcuts to pen nirvana? (Score 1)

I've just blown over an hour of potential sleep-time reading other geek's musing on fountain pens (a recent passion I share). I have two inexpensive Waterman pens (Phileas and Hemisphere) and a Lamy Safari. I've been wanting to try a Pelikan or other "nicer" pen, but I just cannot justify the expense when there are other luxuries calling out to me (new CPUs, food for the kids, etc.) My question is, "Are there any shortcuts around paying $100 to $300 for pens of that calibre?" I'm not interested in $4,000 diamond studded pens. I guess I am wondering if there are ever "deals" to be had on medium priced pens.