I don't like terribly busy reticles, and almost never use more than 12x because of mirage. FFP with graduated reticles can be very useful, and while mine are illuminated, they are more for the target range than hunting woods. I DO have a 1.5-6x FFP with center dot illumination and psuedo duplex reticle, and that one lives on a Marlin leveraction in 35 Remington. In low light conditions, the illumination can work, but tends to flare, so I use as little illumination as possible.
IMO, 6x is an excellent compromise between field of view and magnification. I have an older SWFA 6x that I've shot out to 1000 yards.
IMO, 6x is an excellent compromise between field of view and magnification. I have an older SWFA 6x that I've shot out to 1000 yards.