For convertibles at Sears there's not a ton of choice, but they do have the EFTA & it's even on sale for $124.99 during baby days this week, so I'd steer her straight to it. Sears also carries the Titan (shorter top harness height than the 3in1 seats,) and the Comfort Sport (again, shorter top harness height than the 3in1 seats.)
The not very tall top harness height I feel can't honestly be applied to the 3in1 seats anymore because it is more like 15.25 to 15.5" even in the regular seats now. No, it won't last as long as a MA, Radian, TF, or EFTA, but it will last longer than a Roundabout, Comfortsport or Titan. As long as she is aware of the limitation of the topmost headrest position, and doesn't plan to use it as a booster, it's not the worst seat in the world. Certainly not on my list of favorites because there are seats that cost the same or less & will last longer, but it's not horrible provided she uses it right & knows that it will NOT be the last seat she ever needs. If I had a $1 for every parents who has gotten mad at seat checks about the 3in1's not being the last seat they'd need, I'd have a pretty good savings account going.