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I don't think that your research is complete.. There has only been one unflattering report on the 3000...The much disputed Odets review of an older Explorer...but he ended with all those attributes you mention. His biggest criticism seemed to be that it "wasn't hand finished to the degree he was accustomed to for a watch of that price range" (paraphrased)

The 3000 is essentially the same movement used today but was the last of the Rolex in-house movements upgraded with the, before mentioned, full bridge, larger balance wheel and breguet overcoil to become the 3130..

There is no advantage or disadvantage with collecting a 14060 over a 14060M, keeping in mind that the 14060 with the 3000 was the upgrade from the earlier 5513..