Get the LX200...it might cost a bit and weigh a little more, but you won't regret it. If it also means getting a sturdier mount, then you may have to fork out for one. With SCT's, you have to be careful with mirror flop. That's why Meade stuck a lock on theirs to prevent it. In so far as the optics quality goes, they're way ahead of anything Celestron have, especially the new ACF models. I own one, and I can tell you that the view through an 8" XLT just doesn't compare. The Meade has a far flatter field of view both visually and photographically. The image is also crisper and brighter. As far as piggybacking goes, all Meade scopes have pre-drilled holes already to attach mounts to your scope. No need to drill anything. As far as accessories to do what you want, you should have most of what you need anyway, considering you already have the necessary attachments to mount a CCD to your scope. However a few extra won't hurt
. You won't need a field flattener for the Meade but a good focal reducer would come in handy for DSO's. Try and get one that'll reduce the f ratio to around 6.3-4. Meade and Vixen make good reducers and either one will fit the scope. I've heard Prostar make OK ones too, but I haven't tried them.
One thing I would suggest, with either setup (Meade or Celestron) and that's get a sturdier mount, as I mentioned before. You'll find your imaging will be better and a lot less frustrating because the telescope isn't flopping around all over the place. If you can afford it, grab an EQ6 or go one better and get a G11...something nice and heavy that can take the weight of either scope and all the equipment.
Anyway, have fun choosing your new scope
