Cool. I'm sure you will like the Marlin if the reviews I've seen are how yours is. I'd have said the Howa as the price is similar and I like wood stocks. If it hadn't been for the wood stock I would have bought the Marlin just like you did. In fact I've looked at a few Marlin XL7's recently. They get great reviews and look like a really nice rifle for a great price. Let us know how you like yours.
BTW where did you find the Marlin for $210? They seem to be around $300 around here. I'd probably buy the 25-06 one I've been looking at tomorrow if I saw it new for $210.