Managed to crack into SL for the first time in weeks. I know I need to move up to mesh, but it would help to have someone who's done that already for advice.

I would start by checking http://meshbodyaddicts.com - they have some good summaries and reviews there. There's some threads at VVO as well. But most importantly - demo, demo, demo. And if there's no demo, don't buy it. Not every creator fits mesh properly, or efficiently.

ShaggyZed: Meshbodyaddicts seems gone. I checked several weeks ago. Still gone.

Blue, maybe if you shared what look you want, whats important to you, how often you want to change outfits or makeup or skins... people can help make suggestions.

MBA is gone? Damn. That stinks. Well, my "demo everything" rule still applies, although it can be time-consuming trying out all the bodies and seeing if you can make a shape you like. Also, what Devin said!