I'm a happy chappy.
The planets have aligned for me!! Paramount MEs are ON SALE for the bargain basement, throw away price of US12.5k (2k discount) AND the dollar is high. Peer pressure has also come into play with seemingly everyone undertaking some sort of upgrade these days, so I couldn't resist and have taken the plunge. With the blessing of SWMBO as well!!
What's even better, it will ship tomorrow - less than a week from placing the order!
Cheers, Marcus