It sounds like you are going to eventually own 2 saws at some point and may have a need for the saws for many years to come. After dealing with the frustration of using some beat-up sub-par saws, I now enjoy using pro-grade high quality saws that are well maintained and run great. It adds so much to the enjoyment of cutting wood that I can't even explain it. Have you ever gone into the woods to cut with one saw and had it not run right or not even start? It's worth it to me to pay a little extra up front to buy a saw that I am not going to have to replace in just a few years.
I have been contemplating buying a new 361 or 260 pro for a few months now and since I am still "babysitting" my dad's 361 I decided to purchase the 260 pro this past Wednesday. All of the 361 fans that have commented are exactly right, for an "all-purpose" saw I don't believe it can be beat. I absolutely love that saw and use it more frequently than my J'red 630, MS460, and Husky 395XP. The only saw that I used more than the 361 is my 12 year old 025 (unfortunately I have to cut a lot of limbs). I cut wood yesterday and brought the 460, 361, and the new 260 pro. I was amazed what that little 260 would do and it just wasn't worth it to me to walk back to the truck to get the 361 for the relatively small amount of larger wood I had to deal with.
It sounds like your preference toward a small, lightweight saw will direct you toward the 260. If you only want to buy one saw and eventually pass it down to a family member in 20 years when you are done with it, buy the pro model. In a few years when it is time to heat the cabin with wood and finances allow, buy the 361 and you will be all set in the saw dept. (at least until the call of a 7 hp monster saw beckons and you can no longer resist) and will get a lot of enjoyment out of both saws and cutting wood in general.
F.Y.I. It seems every shop is different on how they "wheel and deal." My beloved stihl dealer will not budge off of retail price on saws. However, they always throw in a few extras. I wanted the 260 pro with the 18" bar, so they charged me $509 for the saw and upgrade to the 18", but threw in the 16" bar that was on the saw for no charge. I walked out of the dealership with the saw, two bars, two chains, and a new file for just under $560.
I don't think you will be disappointed with the power. 
Nothing wrong with trying to decide which saw to buy...I do not drive a F150 V8 to work cuz my Honda sips gasoline...not gulp gasoline. I buy equipment that works for me and often times upgrade to the next in line equipment "just in case" but this saw will probably be a two step jump LOL. Yeah...the MS361 is looking more and more like a good option for me, just have to decide if I want to go for it. If I got the MS361 I will get it with a 18" bar or even 16" bar. Can always upgrade to a longer bar and this is much cheaper than upgrading to a bigger saw if the occassion arises later on. 
