Many thanks for the replies, an interesting mix of opinions as always. I like the flexibility suggested by The Funk and his backup rig looks like the sort of thing I might look into.
BeLow, I'd be interested to see how your finished setup works out.
I don't really know which route I'll take in the long run, I started the thread partly to provoke a bit of debate - the pre/power amp setup seems to be poorly served for aged amateurs like myself (there may well be a good reason for this).
Still more than happy to receive any more wisdom or opinion.