+1 on the Mantis...as usual. 208 hp, easy to tote around, and expandable with another Mantis later on. Even with seasoned modular users, putting together a full build in a little skiff like this isn't an easy task. You wind up losing out since there's either two options there:
1) You CAN do a full build with tiny modules that pose serious ergonomic challenges, or
2) You avoid the tiny modules, but don't have space for a full-on build.
OTOH, building into 208 spaces is FAR easier. You have far fewer situations that require the use of tiny modules, for one thing. And the other: $335, baybee! Yeah...powered with an improved uZeus-derived P/S with ample amps, and it's so reasonably priced.
Mind you, tiny builds DO have their place; I put together a modular parallel guitar processor last night in a Palette 62, for example. But note this one point: that was a "mission-specific" build and NOT a full synth. So small cabs do have a place...just not a place for building full modulars in that small of a space.