Brink, I have (and like a lot) the M7 8x30, so light and such a joy to use: fun binocular (I've taken it kayaking in the Mediterranean and on long walk on the Pyrenees: no complain whatsoever. They tend to glare under some circumstances, but I can live with that).
I was in your situation of finding a better 8x30-32. In the past I had a 8x42 Conquest HD which I sold because of the bulk (I loved the focus, though). I tried the 8x32 Conquest and found it too bulky and heavy, especially compared with the likes of M7, Nikon MHG, Kite Lynx, Companion CL. So, although I liked the optics and the focus, these were out of the question.
So I've ended up with the new 8x30 Companion CL (2018). I am pleased with the optics and the build quality (simply outstanding; the M7 looks like a toy binocular in comparison... but what a nice toy it is). The binoculars are very sharp, they wow you with contrast when you look at the bark of a tree or follow a bird among the branches of a tree. However, there are some caveats. For me, the first and foremost (and very personal) are the eyecups. It seems that my eye sockets are pretty large, because the eyecups of the Companion are a little too narrow (I had the same issue with the Meopta Meostar 8x32), so my eyelashes are "pressed" and is not that comfortable. The second caveat is exactly what you mention: focus speed. There is nothing wrong with the focus on the Companion, it is just not as soft and quick as the M7 or the Conquest, and I think I prefer the Nikon or Zeiss approach. Don't get me wrong; these are not the Habicht (those pose a serious trouble for birding in some situations), the manufacturer simply opted for a more slow approach. Probably many people would never even pay attention to this, but I think about it quite often while using them, so if you like a fast focus I suggest you try them first (you might be ok with it).
Image quality wise: I compared the Conquest HD and the Companion in a shop (which is not saying a lot), but the one I've spent more time with is the latter.
Pros: quality, quality, quality. This thing oozes quality. The rubber, the feeling in your hands, everything is so fantastically classy. The view is very bright and sharp (really). Size and shape. The barrels are just a little longer than the M7, so the "handholdability" is superior to my eyes (well, to my hands). Relatively light. Not as light as the M7, and you can notice the difference. This is a case where the M7 seems lighter than it is and the Companion feels heavier than it is, probably because of the metal frame and the fact that if feels so solid and reassuring.
Cons:slow focus, chromatic aberration (if you are bothered by it, you will find it quite often), small eyecups (and they have no intermediate position; it's whether up or down), can feel a little heavier than they are.
All in all, I find the 630 g (and the bulk) of the Conquest HD 8x32 a bit too high if you are looking for a replacement of the M7. I was in that very position a while ago, and my favourite in that price range was the 8x30 Nikon Monarch HG (with a faster focus than the Companion, as well as wider FOV and lighter body). But that particular model simply doesn't fit my eyes. I've tried it several times and every time it is a disappointment because I get blackouts and the viewing position is far from comfortable (to my eyes). Oddly enough, I find the M7 so comfortable and a pleasure to use. So, I said goodbye to the MHG and hello to the Companion, but the eyecup issue I mentioned had led me to the decision of selling them, I'm afraid.
I hope this helps.