When I was looking at TVs I was surprised that 52" really did not look appreciably bigger to me than 46", and 58" or greater is where I wanted to be.
CNET loved the Panasonic 58pz800u and stated in their review today, or yesterday: "The Panasonic TH-58PZ800U produces the second-best overall picture quality among flat-panel HDTVs we've tested this year. Its black level and color accuracy tested a notch below those of the Pioneer PRO-111FD--a 50-inch plasma that we assume matches the performance of the 60-inch PRO-151FD--and several notches above anything else we've seen in its class, including the THX-certified 60-inch LG 60PG60."
But they also conclude: "For folks just looking for a massive screen, regardless of form factor, it's still difficult to justify the higher cost of plasma over rear-projection. Our current rear-projection EC is the 61-inch Samsung HL61A650, a superb-performing LED-based DLP model that can't quite match the overall picture quality of any of those plasmas, but costs a dark sight less."
I believe you are on the right road regarding screen size, but if you don't feel like waiting it appears you would be well served by the Samsung RP.
