Colonel,
Nice reply. If you ever do renew your search, give the Mackies a good look. I've owned the M-Audio BX-5 and BX-8. Had to do repairs on both sets after warranty. Sold them and picked up the 6" version of the Mackie you list. Build quality feels like it's in a different league. I wasn't sure about the sound at first, but once I put them on isolation stands the sound really opened up and came to life. They sound great with the POD, keyboards, and any drum programs I've run through them.