New:
Gina
Tad
or for a 3rd choice. Your friend might take 25 crisp 100 dollar bills, neatly stack them on a fancy throw pillow and knock on Searing's door. When Dennis answers, your friend should drop to his knees, raise the pillow over his head and BEG Mr Searing to build a pain jane within a year. Dennis will say no. Try again next day. Dennis will say no. Try again next. Probably won't work, but maybe the best third alternative beside trying the same thing with Hercek or Barry or Laurie.
One can get a new Gina or Tad for under 2K, brand new, built to specs, guaranteed to hit great and pretty much guaranteed to always be worth at least what you paid. This is a rare value for a cue that you don't have to wait 5 years or more to get. For my money, considering the short wait time, quality control, resale value, the smart way to go within these parameters is Tad or Gina (unless Searing would give in in under 20 days of trying).
Kevin