I know from scouring these forums and doing independent research, Leather Motion Sectionals are not the preferred option for those seeking quality furniture builds. I have come to understand that the motion elements prevent good seating springs and construction. I also get that electronic components and mechanical features break down quicker and create cost concerns at the outset along with long term.

That said, after doing an initial perusal and furniture store visits, it seems that it makes the most sense for our family for our needs/wants and use style. We know that a leather motion sectional will be expensive for a top grain or full grain leather set. At first we were OK with the idea of getting a FlexSteel sectional, knowing that the fit and finish my not be craftsman, but that it would last and suit our needs. I have shifted a bit to being open to H&M as well as B&Y or others. But I'd love to hear some opinions on other brands (wish approximate costs - or recommended DO's and DONT's in terms of features, models, etc...)

Our biggest factor (or why I am asking in this forum) is that in our area we have quite a few local furniture stores that are long time in-state "ICONS" as well as that we live about 20 miles from the world headquarters of a Lazy Furniture brand. So these in-state stores, while they carry some of the other brands, feature this Lazy brand and then other value options that mimic them You can occasionally find decent makes, but they are a few here and a few there. Any of the more top end, or luxury furniture stores are further out and they cater to a much different clientele and I honestly would have the time or knowledge of which to start with. So I am trying to do my research on this beginning end so that when I go into one, I dont get fleeced too badly.

Here is what I am looking for (I think?) and what I think I have learned and what/why we are looking at a leather sectional:

1. Comfort - the main reasons for the sectional are that it is big enough, and will be the main or exclusive seating option for our room. With 3 kids, and often more - we need seating and lounging. We dont have the room for two sofas, and the sofa / love seat set doesn't appeal to my wife - she feels like you end up paying for NOT having the corner of a sectional.
2. Leather - We plan for this to be a long term buy, are fine spending more to get the quality and longevity, plus we like it.
3. Cost - We know that we will pay more for motion, leather, and a good build and are willing to pay, but we also want to keep cost within the VALUE range. We dont need/want the top end fit and finish necessarily.
4. Features - I list this only to say that I like reclining. It doesn't have to be power, but I feel like the cost of power to manual is negligible unless there is a HUGE reason to go manual.
5. Look/Style: The #1 problem I have found, in my searches, is that leather sectional motion seating is either of the gaudy overstuffed look, or very boxy and minimal. I have seen some nice transitional styled pieces, but only in the lower/mid end stuff that come in less quality makers. I do know that H&M probably has something, but I am thinking it would be too cost prohibitive and the website doesn't really do a good job of explaining their motion units and no cost

So my main question is: If you were helping a friend purchase a leather sectional motion set, who had a budget of the 3-5K range, but would be willing to spend a little more for the right reasons, where/what would you steer them into or advise them about?