wow, the schippman thing looks really good! wonder how it sounds?
as far as modulars go - I'm waiting on a shipment of a 22 space portable synthesizers.com system - that's going to be the beginning of my modular.
I went for them as, even though they are more "vanilla" overall with the module selection, that's what I want to start with - plus the build quality, customer service, and format are all top notch. I really wanted to try and keep everything 1/4" to start, but eventually I hope to add some racks of doepfer and blacet for the various filter options.
and as for coolest gear non elektron I've gotten recently - well, I love my new SH-101