willys - If you do decide on a ChiCom M14, keep in mind that not all is lost, as the USGI parts are interchangeable, with the exceptions as follows: The Gas cylinder assembly, and the components of the rear sight. The difference is that the ChiCom's used metric threads. The barrel threads are the same as USGI.
If you were to put on a USGI or aftermarket barrel and USGI, or N/M rear sight, then everything in the ChiCom M14 would be interchangeable with the USGI parts. As far as soft bolts, get an M14 armorer (gunsmith) to install a USGI bolt (still $42.00, for a complete USGI bolt from the CMP), and you would not have to worry about a soft bolt. By the way a complete trigger group is only $35.00 also from the CMP.
If you decide to get the Springfield Armory M1A new from Springfield Armory, by all means get all of the "Tools" and most of the other extras (magazines, etc.) that you can afford, within a short period of time after they ship you your M14 rifle. Most of these things will be needed eventually, and the price is a lot more later.