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I wondered about this a few years ago, my determination was spend as much as possible on the mount, then add the right gear to it as you can.
Being on my 5th OTA I have finally reached spending as much on OTAs as the mount. I only use modded DSLRs - so I haven't gone down the serious mono CCD route yet.
Must say I am very happy with the 110mm triplet Williams Optics APO coupled to a PC controlled Moonlight focuser - that's a keeper.
Into your equation I would add two questions:
1. how many times will you invest to upgrade equipment - an be willing to sell and buy new gear when you need a quantum step forward in your gear? (account for the time and effort and loss due to depreciation)
2. At your ending point what is the longest focal length you will wish to image from and what duration shots given your night sky quality? (again longer focal length shots coupled to long duration need really excellent tracking and guiding - the mount has to be up to it. If you go over 1.5 metres on say and SCT and/or over 10 minute shots you will need a very rigid setup held securely on high quality mount).
Back then I got a 2nd hand Vixen Atlux controlled by a SkySensor2000-PC that after tuning turned out to be a total winner. If I was buying today I don't know what I'd buy; maybe an EQ8 or an AP900 at double the price. Once you go beyond a EQ6 you really have to do your homework and work out how you will be using the gear and how precise the control and ability of your mount must be.
I have never heard anyone spending too much on the mount then regretting later - never!
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