Well the 6" dobs sound like a great starting point but yes - more space/ more dollars and would I still need to buy some eye pieces and filters? Yes I could find the space though - the dobs on the 'newtonian' (did I get that right), would look pretty funky in the lounge besides the speakers and I do have a ute and a wagon so its all doable
I'd certainly be on the look out for a second hand 6" but it seems as people progress they hang on to the little 6" for a quick grab scope?
A truss 6" might help with the space issue but I don't seem to see many truss models until 8"+