Granted I didn't read all the replies, so what I've got to say may have already been mentioned somewhere along the lines.

Your question, are the $1000 bows (fully rigged) worth it? Simply put, yes. As you've noticed, we've come a long way in just the last few years as far as technological improvements go. Compared to the bows of yester-year, we're a very spoiled group of hunters. Are they worth the money? Absolutely.

Now, as to which company to go with and which models to check out. The best advice anyone can give you is to just bite the bullet and go to a pro shop and try as many different bows out as you can. I've mentioned it in several threads recently, but as far as manufacturers and their products go these days, its all personal preference. Bowtech, Mathews, Hoyt, Martin, Darton, PSE, High Country... They all make great equipment and I would be more than happy to own a bow from any of those companies. I shoot a Martin right now because at the time I bought it, it fit in my price range and felt the best to me. You need to just go try out some bows in your price range and go with what feels best to you.