Well, folks, I thought I'd post an update for those of you who have been following my analog journey from the beginning.
I was honest with my financial situation, and it didn't look like a P3-24 was going to happen anytime in the foreseeable future. There was a used Planar 3 down at the store, and I jumped on it today. When the Sumiko Black Pearl comes in, I'll go audition the table and take it home. I'm pretty excited to have an analog source, happy to be done saving, and pleased to have freed up some capital (since my total deposit was greater than the value of my purchase).
Finding the Planar was rather serendipitous because I hadn't been down to Overture in several weeks, due to a broken ankle. The first day of my return, I saw that gem. A couple days later, it was mine. Huzzah!
Now, if I can just figure out where to put it when it comes home...
I wish I had champagne.