These questions are very hard to answer, let's start there.
It sounds to me like you are waffling as it is a big decision - for both $$ and hoping you get the right thing.
I used to live and hunt in the midwest. I now live in CO and hunt here. I have way too many optics trying to cover everything.
IMHO.... I would get alpha 8's or 10's. I personally find myself using my 8's more every year. I think the 8's give much better FOV, better hand held, and better color. The better color separation I think helps me pick out animals easier.I also think they equal a 10 off a tripod. 8's are made for the midwest woods too. 8's also pretty much eliminate the need for IS binos. IMO of course....
The problem is your "3 mile" range you glass at. You will always want more magnification to do that. Then you can pair your 8's with 15's or a spotter. A spotter is more useful if you add in it can have all the magnification you can use, you can use it at the range, depending on model it can weigh about the same as a pair of 15's.
Keep in mind I have 8's, 10's, 12's, 15's, and a spotter....

I might need to take my own advice!