K.I.S.S vs GO FOR IT?

NICE! So far 3 answer and all different . Perfect answers from every one. Keep them coming!!!

Anyway, the keep it in drawer isn't a respectful option so I promise it won't happen (much as I'll have to wait and receive the next case). 

Still two option (might do both), how big the next one. I like the approach of having separate fully working but different system which can be both alone or part of a bigger system. Since for me the need to be movable is key. I want to be able to take it and attempt as many jam situation as I could. So 2 x 2x16u or 1 x 4x20 would be max for a system. 

The best of both world would be to start a new system with the left over so to GO FOR IT. But keeping it simple as a system; each system is attempted to only few thing (1 for techno impro, one for generative ambient, one for industrial noisecore or whatever) to K.I.S.S. 

Interesting to read why one is planning what and even more if the plan (like mine) is changed after reaching its limits

I like the idea of "one case, one kind of sound", but it mean more bread and butter modules for each case, right? like enveloppes and VCA and LFO and such. Or just switching modules when you use a case?

Exactly, more utilities module; power or master, lfo, vco, envelopes ect. if fully stand alone.  In the 14U I need to replace I can have one of each (just not the power or master yet). But definitely something to consider when starting from a smaller system. 

Many double one in my actual system:
 

http://instagr.am/p/CNANBYHh0EX

we were having a similar discussion in another thread recently

It seems like cables of this type are pretty available generally but I was a bit unsure exactly what to search for when looking for one so something TW-produced could help! guaranteed compatibility  

I do use the RACKLINK module, it's pretty handy as I have an older case without the buss connector. It gives a bit a flexibility on where you can store your rack as both case have a long ribbon cable between them. May be hard with patchwire in between.

Like NightMachines mentioned, I like the approach where you have a small detachable part to your modular. I've had lots of fun with a detachable top row. I started out with a starter rack II, but I quickly got another one row case and by now I have two extra one row cases.

I like the idea of sitting in the couch with a one row system, developing a slow drown or some interesting ambient/'background' music. I have even been patching in my bed before going to sleep haha. Then, if still feel the need to go on with the patch in a larger setting, I can just put the 1 row back in the larger system and incorporate it. Fun stuff!

The single row does have limitations, but these really push me to more complicated and out of the box patches, which is a lot of fun. Of course the larger system is more fun when I want to make for example a good 'lead' sound with an external midi controller. Or if I want to make a complete drumbeat with the Topograph triggers. Or if I want to do more of a dynamic song/performance using the 4ATT faders, working the filters etc etc.

So I honestly think you can get a bit of a 'best of both worlds' scenario with making these small 'self-contained' systems. Like pt3r says, it can be good to focus on a small amount of modules, because it really makes you get up close and learn certain special tricks of seemingly straightforward modules. For example using the 2env's as looping LFO's, and letting them modulate eachothers decay/attack to get these complicated, interacting patterns. I also discovered a lot of 'hidden' functionalities of the Dead Band module I designed myself, possibilities that I really didn't intend to be there when I designed the circuit   (eg. it can act as a VCA, and it can also act as a CV offset & scaling tool, I should do a video on those one day).

An example of what I come up with on the one-rack:

This will be my approach at the moment too.

My current 2 *16 fits perfectly on a stable table for ignoring life noodling, learning diy etc or with small external systems like a volca or 2.

My thought on the second one when arrives will be to set it up independently. 

I see myself getting confused with a bigger single Ae set up especially while learning.

I'm sure modules will be continually swapped between the 2.

The beauty of the ever changing, versatile Ae, is any set up works and not one of us have the same. love it.

As a user who started with a 1 row not even filled system and now awaiting 2 modules from TW to complete a 3rd row, I can't see the point of limiting yourself to a certain size system; modular by design is meant to be adaptable. A module that could really enhance your studio may come out tomorrow/next year etc. What is more important is what you want to do with it.  I started off just wanting to have a fiddle with modular, but now it distracts me for hours from actually composing music! More seriously, my early extra modules were to increase the signal processing capacity/range (ironically enough one of the modules I use least is the MultiFX); now I am working towards a self contained mini-studio system to work with a drum machine (probably my Korg DDD1), Neutron and Minibrute to make more experiential/ wierd/ soundscapes etc.  Why limit yourself?...

I too like the idea of separate racks  for different needs/jobs etc., one of my cases is old, so I do use the racklink; the ability to place the 2nd rack elsewhere can be very useful, and the patch connections are definitely useful! My 2nd rack have most of my trigger/CV processing modules in it, so can be moved away to be used with the patchbays on the Neutron or Minibrute. Good fun, 

I guess I am in the go for it camp to answer your question.... but the best advice I can suggest to cover some of your concerns is to only buy more modules slowly, or where there is a gaping need (e.g lack LFOS or VCAs).