Thanks for your responses! I feel like I was focused too much on optimizing on space where I should be more worried about user experience. Ended up finding a good deal on a 150hp powered case, which will really open things up. Will take a more serious look at maths now. Joranalogue Contour also impressed me, which is similar in function I believe, though smaller so not as powerful.
Someone just put up their dixie II+ and quad VCA for a good price, so I bit. It has begun!
Again, thank you for your feedback, really helped adjust my perspective. Will update this thread as I start putting something together.