He should still be here and would be if Arthur didn't take a run at the raper Deshaun. Falcons would be 4-0 if he was back there instead of Ridder with a run game like that.
If looking at an offset a cheap one will need constant babysitting, thin metal and leaks will make it a frustrating experience to try and maintain a temp range. On the higher end that you mentioned you are dead on you could go $1500-$2000 for a thick and well built smoker that can maintain temps...
Oh man, the amount of options you have are huge depending on your intended use. Are you opposed to an offset? That would give you the best of both worlds to direct grill in the fire box and you could even make your charcoal in there, but a fire pit can make much more and faster. There are some...