I've got a friend running chopped Nak 300's > R-09. He runs both open and low profile. He would like to upgrade his mics and remain flexible to run open or low profile. He loves the sound of the Schoeps but can't find himself spending $2800 on mics alone. He has budgeted maybe $800 for his upgrade. I'll refer him over here, but thought I could get the thread started first.
There must be something between the chopped Naks and the R09. Some sort of preamp or battery box? Finding a pre which complements what he has may be a good place to start.
Realistically... what is there in the area of "actives". On the high end you have Schoeps, DPA, and KM140s, MBHO. On the lower end you have AT853's, etc., and there isn't much in between. People came up with the chopped Naks, and as noted the AKG 390 actives. I believe Rode makes the NT6 actives, but I've never seen a pair at a show.