I recall having the 1919 all dressed up with the flashider, shoulder stock and buttstock, and size wise, it was almost as impressive as the 50 sitting next to it. however, I find the shoulder stock detracts from the gun. It's added clumsiness does not add that significally to the guns accuracy.
Regarding the semi auto only Bren, I would be in for one if it was $5000 or less. Most of the US ones utilise the origional receiver, so they would all be CA here. Shame someone here doesn't get into manufacturing a new semi-auto only receiver.
It wasn't that many years back that $500 got you a bren with a chest of 30 round mags. Boy, how far the fun factor in this hobby has dropped. Now we are thrilled to death if we can own a rifle with a 10 round magazine.
The 1919s, with their belt fed, magazine cartridge regulation exempt, 100 and 250 round belts, are one of the few remaining truly fun guns we can own and operate.