ha ha! i like that comment and it really says it all, killbuck!
thanks to all for the public and private advice/comments. one fellow suggested building a UDS and i will definitely considere that as an option. i went out and did some comparisons over the lunch hour and all alternatives just didn't come close to the SnP. it sucks that theyt raised the price 20$ over night, but i guess that's how she goes sometimes.
for now, the plan is to hold out for the next payday and then get the SnP, but in the intervening 2 weeks i am definitely going to take a close look at the UDS option, especially if there's a chance it would be a "step up" from the ECBs - don't get me wrong, i am perfectly happy with my ECBs, but i figure a guy's gotta "grow" a bit in this endeavour.
thanks again!
ron