Area to be mowed: 200' long x 20' wide
The terrain: level around the house
Physical constraints: None
Philosophical bent: no dislike for gasoline engines
By "efficiency" I mean would it be worth it to just get a reel push
mower for this small an area?

Reel mowers are relatively difficult and expensive to have sharpened. As
another L.G contributor pointed out, they don't cope well with high grass.

You will get good value from an inexpensive gasoline-powered push-type
mower. Consumer Reports published ratings of these machines in the May
2003 issue. They identified these Best Buys...
- Yard Machines by MTD 11A-439G
- Yard Machines by MTD 11C-084D
- Poulan Pro 38618

Consumer Reports also published a repair history based on reader survey
data. Honda and Toro were the best makes in the push-type category.

At this time of the year you may find good purchase opportunities at
clearance sales.

Daniel B. Martin