Sounds like you have your own preferences clearly defined and your system up and running. i guess that you have been thru a bit of trial and error to get where you are now. It was interesting to hear that you have used some of the ‘Project Sam’ materials, even if for free.
At the end of the day (whether it be Native Intruments products or whatever), you get what you pay for. If you buy CHEAP, you buy TWICE !! 