Thank you very much for taking the time to share your expertise. I have learned a lot from your replies - and took me down a deep rabbit hole of researching all your recommendations :-)
I probably took the wrong route by buying a case then trying to cram in enough modules. But as you said eventually I'll expand :-)
I like your ideas of mixing and compressing off-case and will probably also incorporate an external sampler/looper. Would an external 1010Music Blackbox be appropriate (at least for sampling, looping, and mixing)?
Your advice regarding every hp of sound plan 2-4hp of helper modules is one I'll take to heart from here on out.
The breadth and depth of modular is really intimidating for someone new like myself - I really appreciate advice from vastly more experienced people like yourself.
Thank you once again!