I'm a bit suprised you didnt ride the 1098 but understand the budget thing. Sometime you just have to go what the hell. I would have thought the 1098 would be the ideal compromise. An 848 with more power than a 999S. Just because the powers there doesnt mean you have to use it (yeah well I know I would..

)... I know from past experiene it didnt take me long to want more power from my 748 and after I spent a heap converting it to 853 it would have been cheaper to buy a new 998 at the time. Just something else to think about I guess....