The logic in his argument is fine If as has been stated multiple times in this thread any strop of good quality will do the job. So why exceed or push your budget to upgrade?
While I disagree about the new production Illinois strops lets forget about them for now. Why tell the op to buy over his budget for an SRD strop when he can buy a different SRD strop that falls inside his budget?
If you want to argue about what he wants to spend the saved money on that's a personal choice. Me I would get the less expensive item and pay may bills.
To the op
The Illinois 127 has a very light draw similar to the star English bridle. I have a couple Illinois strops and have never used any strop dressings on either of them. Rubbing regularly works fine.
However if this is to be a backup strop mainly may I suggest a paddle strop. They can be used everyday fine but also have the added benefit of being very mobile. You can also find some that come with an attached stone or a pasted side to help maintain a razor. Just something to think about.
I know the jemico line was in your budget a year or two ago not sure about now if prices have gone up.