Ok: i make two cups of coffee a day in my La Pavoni Lever. two. Occasionally 4 if guests are over.
I am currently using a good hand grinder. The day will come when i am older that I cant grind by hand or wont want to.
What are my best options for under $700 for a grinder?

If you like what the hand grinder (almost certainly a conical burr grinder) gives you, then something like the niche should work well for you. The big question is whether or not a flat burr grinder would work better...but you'd have to try one to find out.

If you plan to brew pour-over as well as lever extracted espresso, that opens more considerations, as some folks feel the Niche is quite as good for pour over as it is for espresso and the uniformity of (some) flat burr grinders is a plus.

If you decide to go for a conical, the Baratza 270 series grinders are also worth looking at.

Buy a Niche Zero and don't look back.

There seems to be a new kid on the block that may be worth it:
https://dailycoffeenews.com/2022/11/15 ... e-grinder/

This might be an alternative if you like your hand grinder
https://prima-coffee.com/equipment/hari ... 5iEALw_wcB

hoping that my grinder co will offer something like this

Another Niche vote.

Consider an Option-O Mini. Mine has a well-earned place on my counter. Or wait until you really tire of hand grinding. Things seem to be improving year over year for the last few years.

hoping that my grinder co will offer something like this