Tia Mary:
Now that you have some estimates, perhaps you could ask those who have offered to contribute to send their checks to you as soon as possible (perhaps by the date you will return from your trip) so that you will know what you have to work with.
All three of the frame/mat combos look lovely (I particularly like the fillet) and since all three shops seem to have appropriate frames and a good selection of mat colors, it seems to me that price may be the determining factor and that the price can be modified by the choice of mats. For instance, the Tatami silk and suede mats sound lovely but may be a luxury we can't afford.
I whiled away a rainy day in Boston playing in Photoshop with the Angel and came up with an approximation of what the completed work might look like based on your photo of the Susan suggestions. I'll send it to Dianne so she can post it if she wishes. Perhaps it would encourage potential contributors if they see what the Angel could look like when she's done!
As for framers who insist on doing the mounting that you prefer to do, don't deal with them! I always do my own lacing and have never had a framer who wasn't amenable to the idea.
We all owe you a debt of thanks for the work you are doing in getting estimates and designing the completed masterpiece!
Felice