I couldn't go through whole of the thread, sorry if i miss something.
You are not a bass fan ok, but no SQ setup is complete without a sub and IMHO a setup sounds dull without a sub. It all depends on how well you integrate the sub in your setup
There is a whole range of frequencies which your speakers/ components cant play and that band of frequencies can only be filled by a subwoofer. There is a lot going on in that band of frequencies (20hz to 80hz) which you will be missing without a sub.
For a budget SQ setup, I wud buy myself the following stuff, but thats just me, your taste may differ.
1. Components: Pioneer D series.
2. 4-ch Amplifier: JBL GTO 75.4, Soundstream XTA 720.4, SS Reference. (these amps are well capable to drive the whole setup i-e comps and subwoofer and they do sound good too)
3. Subwoofer: Infinity Reference in a sealed enclosure.
All done and good to go IMO