A different perspective:

As one example, are you planning to frequently take on small game from more than 50 yards away?

Personally, I’ve always preferred a decent set of iron-sights on rimfires. Currently using one of the more contemporary naturally-illuminated fiber optic front posts with an adjustable rear on my go-to 10-22 and it’s plenty sufficient. Bonus; I don’t have to worry about re-sighting. It’s fallen off the quad, and from elevated stands, and continues to perform just as well as its first outing.

That said, if a scope is truly preferred, I’d recommend something like a 1-4x variable. The major manufacturers all make affordable, reliable models (even if they aren’t specifically marketed for rimfire use.)