Poor man's version? If it sounds that good, hey, cheap is good.

I should check that out...
Quote: "'poor man's version' is lazy journalism for exhausted classification. "
-Nothing wrong with the usage here. He's just saying its relatively cheaper.
Otherwise its just as 'lazy' to say 'best of both worlds' to describe something, when its obviously ok.
As for OD, I think the TS7 will do fine (especially the price). A 'cleaner' boost is obtained by just turning up volume without the gain or drive. You'll still get grit, but it might be what you want.
Absolutely clean boost, probably ODs are not it. Unless you get some combination pedals, like Carl Martin Drive N Boost, which is essentially an OD and a clean boost. Price not so friendly but it does its job well.