No, MKE40 are a clear upgrade from AT853. Of the miniature cardioids (AT853, Shure MX184, Church Audio), these are my favourite.
Talking about Shure, I noticed that there are a few stealthy cardioids that theoretically are suited for taping. But I guess they aren't popular because they're overpriced?
MX202B/C - street price: $160 ea.
MX185 (or MX184 for supercard) - street price: $170 ea.
MC51B - street price: $300 ea.
I noticed the cheaper of the Shure cards only offer 50-17,000Hz, and the response isn't very flat. I guess they're mainly for voice recording.
Regarding Audix, there are a few different models in the M12xx range, not just 1280/1290. I was reading the specs, but I couldn't make out the differences. Same size, response, range. Only differences are shielding and max SPL?
http://www.audixusa.com/docs/products/the_micros.shtmlWhat about M125x/M124x, would any of them work in a concert setting?
Another cardiod that was mentioned recently is Line Audio CM3. Don't know if they're considered stealthy, the dimensions are 77 x 20mm:
http://www.lineaudio.se/linemicdata.htmRetailing at $115 ea, they seem like good value to me, if you can mount them safely and get away with it?!
Thinking about it, Franken-naks (chopped) are about the same size as Line Audio CM3 and should probably qualify here too, even though they're only found used.
Acidjack, I like your grading...
Don't know if you can fit in all these models in your ranking system?