Couple of points to consider.
You are condemning all lever actions because a couple of a certain model, which you knew nothing about their care, werent working? 94's can wear or chip the cartridge stop on the link. It may be abuse, it may be wear. 86 actions function completely differently. I've had more malfunctions with bolt actions than I have with lever actions. I still think bolt actions are OK.
Theres NO gun too pretty to take out in the rain and mud.
86's look at home out in the muck. They are working tools. After the first few hard rains and dropping it a few times it wont bother you as much. They are at home with the butt jammed down in old snow for a gun holder.
Ed Stevenson uses a Browning 86 carbine (one of many guns he uses). I'm guessing its because he thinks it will work alright.
Im an unabashed enthusiast of 1886's. I had one malfunction. It was made in the 1880's, and the cartridge stop was letting Remington ammo with the extreme bevel (1970's vintage cases) on the rim slip past. I pried it out a little with a screwdriver and it worked fine after that. No telling anything about its history except it was rebuilt and rebored from 40-something to 45-70. It always worked once the cartridge stop was adjusted (or I didnt use that ammo), as have the several original and the two Brownings I've used.
Take your 86 carbine to a good gunsmtih, chop 2 inches off the barrel/mag tube, drill and tap it for a good receiver sight, and put a good sling on it. They make a near perfect carry gun and general purpose shooter. Round balls with 6 grs Unique or Red Dot for grouse and small game, cast or jacketed medium to heavy loads for everything else. You can use up to 500+ gr bullets without seating them deep as is required with Marlins.
My 2c, and worth everything it cost you.
ETA: I like bolts also. My idea for a compact carry bolt gun is a short action Ruger 77 (tang safety) barreled in 35-284 or 375-284. Barrel of 20", decent irons, and a low power scope.