GayE: I forgot to mention a website that may help your friend. <
www.betterviewdesired.com> is a site launched by one man, Stephen Ingraham, who posts reviews and field tests of binoculars and scopes. You may not agree with everything he writes, but I feel that his opinions are based on sound principles. He certainly backs up what he says.
I purchased by Pentax DCF WP 8x42 binoculars after several visits to his site. I've been very pleased with them, and if anyone's interested Pentax has been offering a $100 rebate in the US for that model. A friend of mine got his for a total cost of $189, some $50 less than I originally spent. That said, I'd still recommend that binoc even at the original price.
Concerning the Raven, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's many degrees superior to my old Bushnell, and the price was right.
I know that Wild Birds Unlimited now carries Eagle Optics products, so if there's a shop anywhere near your friend's home, she might stop by for a look-see. I did that, and tested the scope side-by-side with my Bushnell. I also chose the angled eyepiece, as I spend more and more time birding in small groups, and I find that eyepiece position more convenient for that type of use.
Good Luck. Steve in Houston