Trying to keep up with this thread (like a Christmas wish list) is rough. But here is some more opinions.
Lynx are great. The FW drivers aren't supposed to be any good, but the USB are fine. Using the Pcie interface is the way they were designed to work, so no problems there. The quality is great. Goldfrapp bought them a year or two back for their studio. They aren't a folk band, of course, but have sold more units than you can shake a virtual stick at. I've got colleages who use(d) it, including the artist/producer I mentioned above to upgraded to Burls. He also used the UAD 2196 in conjunction w/ them, but don't let anybody tell you they ain't up to snuff, unless they sold a million units. Unless you are planning on recording drums you could probably get the 8 in/out unit and AES interface and a 2196 for not much more than the 16 lynx. As I said above, the 2196/Burls give a transformer/analog sound to conversion.
The Gefells (good choice!) are the kind of mics you hope your daughter brings home to introduce to you. Solid, workman like. I've never heard anything bad about them. Gefell, of course, is the Newman of East Germany and was the orginal factory for Newman. Same M7 capsule, etc. etc. For a different, tube flavor you seem stuck on the Blue mics. I think the Cactus is supposed to be the most colorful one, but it is a little more expensive. Front End audio (or maybe Zen) had some "used" (demo) Bottle IIs for half price, which is something to think about. You can get different capsules for them. But I would think your color/tube mic would be a more personal decision. Take the time to get it right w/ the voice/instrument you will be using it with. Not a lot of difference (heresy, but true) - the Gefells should work just as well on most everything. hit some local studios and pay them for an hour to try out their locker. You might find something that works for a lot less money.
As far as the comps - just about anything Rupert Neve designed is going to be superb. If he makes it (RND), it is icing on the cake. The Portico dual comp is great. It does vintage as well as modern, adds some vintage Neve transformer thickening w/o being oppressive and just works. Going in, going out, strapped on a channel or the master buss. Like the Geffel, it is something you can use everywhere. I have the Portico II channel, and it works on everything. If you are in the market for a verstile channel strip, I highly recommend it. Or get two for the ultimate and flexible stereo in/out setup. What sets it apart from other high-end channel strips is the saturation control. Red and blue flavors with variable settings. A lot of money, but they cover just about all sonic territory.
The most important thing is to take your time to figure out what works for you. And find a good dealer that will work w/ you - let you try something out and return it for another unit.
happy hunting.
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