I hear ya.
The interest in the Topaz is dwindling a bit.

Any people know how the Soundcraft Ghost (LE) would fall into this?
I understood that it does have modular boards (channels), but you'd still have to open up the whole thing to access them.

Nice additions compared to the Topaz/M2600 and GL2200:
-2x fully parametric EQ
-2x stereo aux
-tape trim
-possibly lower noise floor

But I hear mixed stories of reliability?

What is great?

+1

A&H ZED428 here.

After considering all the options for a couple of years (and chasing after several 1st gen Midas Venices) I can say the ZED is a whole lotta good sounding board for $600 if you can score one for that.

I can't pretend it has a 'high-end' feel like the larger A&H & Soundcraft boards, but it's extremely solidly-built, the pre's and EQ sound great ("tuned 4-band EQ taken from the acclaimed GL2200 mixer"), and it's a lot of channels in a small footprint. ZED436 has 8 more. Beware the fan though - that's the one Achilles Heel of this board for purely studio use.

Maybe worth adding to your shortlist if one pops at a decent price.