Thanks for the feedback!
There are several goals for this setup. The main ones atm are:
1) Overcome the inertia to get a case and cables and some usable modules that allow me to fool around with patching and making new (to me) sounds I enjoy for a few months (ideally) before I get the next module (thinking about Maths or Pam's pro workout)
2) play around with the audio input of the modules (I think I might need an extra input module for that) and the envelope follower to see what it does
3) learn to use the modules as thoroughly as I can before diving into learning what Maths or another complex module can do and how to do it.
4) Maybe get some samples to use for a few beats in Ableton or with my Electribe
I bought a West Pest last year which is fun but a bit limited in terms of the sound I (think I) want, but I think I should be able to use it for sequencing, midi to cv and additional wavefolding/basic envelope stuff for a start. I also have a Microfreak, which should work as an external keyboard controller and maybe also sequencer.
I thought about a filter before I realized I should be able to use the West Pest for something filterlike and would maybe go for a Doepfer Wasp filter (coming from Germany having Doepfer in the rack seems kind of required) if the current plan does not work out.
Why I chose Rings and Clouds specially:
Since there are Plaits oscillators in the Microfreak I plan on using these as input for the other modules until I get some more modulation sources.
When I first got interested in modular some years ago MI was among the manufacturers that excited me most, so I wanted to start with these. If I had enough loose change I'd get most of those for my first system, but I guess as a normal person you have to start somewhere and pace yourself (also see in-depth learning above).
And having watched a couple dozen YouTube Videos Rings into clouds is both a "traditional combination" (to avoid the word cliché) and still seems to hold up well, especially with the additional firmware modes.
As for the FX Aid: While trying to figure out what to put in the rack I caught myself coming back to delay and reverb pedals like the El Capstan and the Big Blue Nightsky and wanted the option to experiment with additional delay and reverb stuff in the box. I still might get one of those later on since I also have a guitar standing around collecting dust but I expect the FX Aid is versatile and high-quality enough to stave off my GAS for a few more months.