You'll have to do some footwork to find the chair that is right for you, there's really no other way.
Note: Leggett and Platt's mechanisms can be from China (if memory serves me) as well as the good 'ol USA, and you might not have a choice on which country of orgin it comes from.

Shop the companies that are in your price range with the features that you desire, then go sit in them.

Good luck.

Yes, L&P has both USA and Chinese mechs. I've not seen enough of the latter to comment on quality.

First brand I'd look at is Bradington-Young. Hancock & Moore is very good but may be out of your price range. But consider TCO - total cost of ownership. Would you rather spend $1500 on a chair that's going to last 20 years and be comfortable and good looking or $500 on a cheap looking chair that is going to last 3-4 years?

Texasman I agree that Bradington Young and Hancock and Moore have a good quality product but really much of the recliner is the mechanism and the frame and the tailoring. The mechs are fairly standard. You might take a look at Palliser they are all made in North America either Canada or Mexico in the latter case the plants are run by Canadians. You could find a Pallsier leather recliner in your price range. They have a good selection with some good looks. There leathers run the range from protected to semi aniline to full aniline which will effect the price.