Ok.. so I have caved to a great deal at ARK (http://arkrc.com.au/999-601-synergy-e7se-fbl-kit/) and bought a Synergy E7SE (thanks @BladeBandit) ... to keep costs down I am using all the electronics from the Trex 700 DFC...

So components
Motor = Xnova 4530-525kv
Cyclics = Align BL700H
Tail = Futaba BL256
FBL = MSH Brain
ESC = Castle 160HV with Fan
RX = Futaba 7008
Packs = Gensace 5000 6s x 2
Gov = MSH Brain
BEC = Gryphon Quasar 75V
Main Blades = Rail 696
Tail Blades = Rail 106
Target HS = 2000

First thing to note is that this kit does not come with any Main blades or tail blades, so keep this in mind when picking up the kit... This makes it on the higher side for kit costs, nearly on par with the Goblin Comp, but keep in mind you tend to get what you pay for, and higher quality kits will carry a higher price. Also I prefer Rail or Halo to SAB main blades, and all my heli's run Rail tails... so this ends up being a benefit for me.

Also not.. That it is possible to change the tail ratio with one gear, which is pretty awesome... so you need to pick the gears based on your target HS. From the manual

Recommended Tail Ratio -
4.5:1 - Headspeed above 2000
4.9:1 - Headspeed below 1950
Recommended Tail Blades -
4.5:1 - Rail 106-116mm
4.9:1 - Rail 96-106mm

Keep and eye on this space.. I will start posting pics soon...

Observations....
Pros:
* Parts/carbon are high quality.
* Flexibility in design and little thought full touches ie slotted 3rd bearing support to help get the frame straight
* Components pre-assembled, removes confusion on how it goes together.
* Kit is a relatively easy build.

Cons:
* Manual assumes a level of knowledge... its basically just images, no numbered bags etc...
* compared to other kits the packaging is lack luster, but its just a small thing.
* Recommends "boom pinch" very strongly, but you have to make your own holes..
* No included blades.
* No included Blade Holder
* No battery Tray

Mods:
* put on the N7 front mounts, with approve 4mm spacers and the canopy goes on much nicer...

Thoughts on the heli
- Ok I have flown it for a while now.. and I can say its a very nice heli to fly... handles wind nicely and with the rail blades just seems to track... it feels like a very deliberate heli, it goes where you tell it. Yes that also comes into play with how you setup your FBL, but it feels very different to the TREX I had all this on previously.. The tail at the higher ratio is awesome.. it does not miss a beat, I did a speed run backwards into 50km winds and pulled a power loop, and the tail held.. cant ask for more than that...

This heli is not the cheapest, but goes together well, and from my personal experience flys well. The hold up in the past has been local parts supply, but it seems that Arkrc are now keeping up with the parts.. with that I would not hesitate to recommend this heli. For someone who has never built a heli, it will be daunting.. but once going appears to be rock solid.

hope this has helped someone out there.