I think you'll find it quite hard to get hold of the Samsung 850 plasma now (it is on back order at a lot of places and is about to be superceded by the C8000). From a personal point of view, I don't like the picture quality on either the Philips or the Samsung LCDs - of the two, again IMHO, the Samsung is more realistic and watchable for an LCD (and before the angry hordes pile in, I saw both the Philips and Samsung models I was interested in, demoed at a proper dealer who knew how to line them up). I know you said you didn't like the Panasonics, (I found them a bit soft and lacking in 'punch' for want of a better word) but I would seriously suggest you wait until they release the 2010 V and VT ranges which, if they live up to all the hype, could be quite something, as well as being available within your budget. If you like the smooth and lifelike images of your well set up high quality CRT then again IMHO, a plasma will give you that same sort of look - I personally find the LCDs over processed and electronic. At work, we don't use any LCD screens in 'mission critical' (one for the 'words or phrases you hate' thread) areas, having a selection of Sony HD and SD CRT monitors - however, we do have a Kuro in one of our grading suites which has been lined up to almost match the Sony HD main monitor - our Telecine engineer, who has been lining up monitors for colour grading for many years could not believe how good the Kuro was.
If you're spending that kind of cash, find yourself a good dealer who knows how to line up a TV properly and watch as many as you can. In the end, it's your eyes that will have to sit watching it !
Good luck
Rob