Them MTC rets are fine, i have the Leapers 3x12x44 compact, it has the wire ret, its a bit on the thick side, i'm used to the mtc ret in my connect, the leapers image quality is equal if not better than the connect in my eyes, the leapers is very bright and crisp and has a decent field of view though not like the connect, id say if you want a decent compact scope and cant stretch to a connect go for a leapers they're great value for money, on high mag the cross hairs aren't too bad, i'm just spoiled with etched rets, you must admit since etched rets came along the others have gone to the wire.
With the Leapers expect around 3 to 3.5 inch eye relief maybe a bit more.