Thanks for the input guys, (I'm leaving the bad joke about knocking up a bird(in a)house out) but I get the point that you are getting at with the you get what you put in, I know I could hack some bits on it but I know it's not ideal.

But I've been thinking and I could put up with the extra cost if it means I get what I want/need after a good think and dig around I think the below would be my asks on it:

Needs:
Cutting area of 1250mm x 650mm (quarter sheet 8x4)
Z axis 60mm (unless you think I would need anything more)

Recommendations on easy to grasp designs software as currently I do the 2d vector work in adobe illustrator and open it in aspire (if that works do I need to change it, is there an easier way?)

Wants:
Mill aluminium / Other soft metals (no idea on steel?)
Cutting area of half 8x4 sheet (would love it but as you said it would sacrifice quality so..)
Some sort of self homing would be nice (if only on the Z axis)

Also as I'm making space this weekend do I need a metal stand for the machine or will a well built wooden unit work ok?