Red Horn,
You've probably realise by now that choice of binos is a very personal matter, and at least for many of the posters here, there isn't a single model that is appropriate for all situations. Many own several pairs and scopes as well. If people have a favourite, then where, when, and how they use them and ergonomic preference is probably at least as important than the quality of the optics. One might choose a 50oz monster and another an 8oz pocket pair depending on the situation.
A couple of years ago I set out to get a modern replacement for an old 8x porro, and based on advice here, thought I would end up with an 8x42. I've probably tried over 80 pairs, and bought 4 and still don't own a 8x42. None of the ones I have bought are in the top league, but they have one thing in common, I 'liked' them pretty much as soon as I picked them up. Yes, some have more negative features than others, but I'm not in a rush to replace any of them as they have a niche in my nature observation. So my advice to you is to find an optics outlet, try a lot, and go for the one that you like. Second to that, make full use of the sale or return feature from the better online retailers.
Just a few comments based on magnification based on my own personal bias.
6x. Easiest view. My choice for sports events or from a moving platform like a boat.
7x. Well suited to the lightly wooded undulating country where I live. It's the top magnification where I'm happy to scan the view looking for birds. I need to slow too much with higher powers to avoid blur for my liking. My most used pair.
8x. For, me too much magnification for scanning, but not enough power for IDing at distance. Not bought one yet.
9x. Maximum power that I can hold steady, so my choice for 'point and shoot'.
10x. Unsupported I can probably see a similar amount of detail to the 7x. I need a surface to steady the view to get the benefit. Makes me wonder if I should have have got a 12x instead and know I need a rest.
While a higher power may be better suited to your terrain only you can know if you can generate a stable enough platform to get the benefit and that is likely to vary with the model. Small things like size, weight, balance, fit in your eye sockets, and focus action can make quite a difference when you are near the limits of stability.
A bit of trial and error, but the combination of a light weight 7x in the hand and a light 9x in my bag works best for my birding outings where I live (at least in the summer months.) Your solution is almost guaranteed to be different.
Good luck,
David