One of the most value for money pana plasma model was 2012 ST50K. Great spec and pic with great price, cheapest price I saw was around RM3299 for 50".
But I chose their LED series ET50K instead. Just my personal preference. If budget allowed wouldn't mind to have another plasma
but like u guys said their new plasma line up are still pricey and some too bulky for me.

Just to share some calibration setting for Pana LED TV that I found. You might be using different model but you can use the example as a good starting point.
However calibration preference might different as everyone got their own taste. Eg, I like bright and vivid picture when I
watch animation movies. And I preferred brighter backlight all the time. I know some like natural color & dim picture. So it's really depend
on your room settings (bright or dark), TV (try to understand your TV pro & con in terms of PQ), movies and your taste of course. Just my 2cents!


http://panasonicet5.blogspot.sg/p/calibration-settings.html