At the end of the day you have to look at what you have, what you want to do and what you are prepared to do!
If your not prepared to move to a G11, perhaps reduce the size of the telescope and go with a EQ6 and say a small 8" SCT/RC? for 3k you can see yourself with a EQ6 and GSO RC8 high quality kit.
because a 10" + you will be struggling on anything less than a G11 quality bracket!
I always say this to people who are looking to get going on AP, do you want to take a few happy snaps for the photo album to look at in 10 years saying yeah i did a bit of that once apon a time? or do you want photos you print out and hang on your walls for your visitors and yourself to go wow, that is absolutely amazing!?
as soon as you answer that question your focus will be set clear!
