For what you suggest, I'd either a) find a good used T/C Omega thumbhole, which would be difficult, or b) a CVA with the thumbhole stock you want.

I do not consider CVA to be top-of-the-line but for the occasional usage you describe, I do not hesitate to recommend it. Their quality has improved significantly on their more recent offerings.

Other than that , the requirement for a thumbhole limits you off the top of my head.

IMHO opinion you're not missing anything by not getting an Encore. Plenty of people like them, but they can require some screwing around with to get them right and for your limited usage I would not bother with it when it'll cost you more to do it.