Gary,
I consider MCH a good friend and I know he is more than a little familiar with good shotguns of all types. He has owned and used them and been around more than a few that do the same. He is one of the most down to earth, straight up individuals you will come across. If he is going to recommend something it will be from first hand experience or seeing what other experienced shotgunners have found to be worth spending your money on.
Fact is the Winchester 101 Select has yet to prove itself over the long run and I think that is part of where he is coming from. Myself I would much rather find one of the original Winchester 101s or one of the later Classic Doubles that are the same with a different name. You pretty much know what you are getting and that is a shotgun that has a history of dependability.
Good luck in your search. 12g a O/Us under $2500 that are not on the heavy side are not found every day. Heavy means they can make them for less. Making them light adds dollars quickly. However, some of the original 101s in 20g may be what you are looking for. Beretta and Browning both make current offerings in the sub-gauge O/Us that may also be worth looking at. Browning also made some O/Us with and aluminum receiver that will more than handle above average use.
A couple examples in 12g:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/90340832...2_ga_2_34_Invector_Plus_26_EXCELLENT.htmhttp://www.gunsamerica.com/97654403...ning_Citori_SUPERLIGHT_Feather_12_NE.htmAnd one in 20ga:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/93544195...WNING_CYNERGY_FEATHERWEIGHT_20_GAUGE.htm 
