My Findings, in my opinion for what it is worth, I am no expert. My eyes are 2020 with astigmatism corrective lenses. I used my shooting glasses (single prescription not bifocal or progressive). I normally wear progressives. I find how and where on your face the eye glasses are really effect using binoculars, monoculars and spotting scopes.
I got out 3 days with multiple weather conditions from sunny, overcast and mixed bag of rain sleet and snow. I was in the mountains over looking Mt. Washington and the presidential range. All three performed well, the Athlon and Hawke were neck and neck with the Hawke I believe slightly more vivid. Eye relief and comfort on both were great. The Nikon while optically good as well just did not seem to fit me like the Hawke and Athlon.
I really like the Athlon Optics Cronus 8.5×42 I am keeping them. The Hawke Frontier 8×42 ED X are fantastic although the deal I got on the Cronus swayed my vote. My eyes really do not see $200 of price difference. The Monarch 5 nice but just did not feel right for me, they may for you and are very nice.
The Hawke and Nikons are on their way back and now to find a compact set for use on my motorcycles.
Hope that my findings can help some of you with a similar issue.
Thanks to all for the suggestions