Well... Sorry your thread turned into a huge ******* match about pocket carrying.
I for one do it all the time because my work doesn't let me carry so I need something that I can take off & put on very easily and inconspicuously. Pocket carry is the way for me.
Anyway, my two favorites are the Taurus TCP and the Sig P238. Sounds like based on your budget the TCP would be better for you. I do have a LC9, but I would definitely not call it a pocket gun. I may be the only one who thinks this, but I don't see how a 9mm in a pocket carry package would be controllable or that I would be accurate with it. I only feel under gunned with it if I am going downtown PHX at night. But I never do that so not to worry.