Haven't read all the posts but, consider this....
We went to the top of our budget for a Million Dollar Baby/Da Vinci. I loved it.
DD hated it from day 1. She hated being in a crib AT ALL. The day she turned 2, we moved her in to a full size bed. She has been happy ever since.
But you can't go for 2 years without sleeping, so she slept mostly with us, because she HATED her crib. HATED IT. You just have no idea how much personality and opinion they have, even when they are days old.
Maybe help your wife see what she can spend the other $750 on if you buy a more reasonably priced crib.
---------
A-M
happy mother to DD1, 7/08 & DD2, 2/12
charter member of the BBB I Love Brussels Sprouts Society, 1/11
I believe in the power of BBB Good Mojo.
---------