I know for a fact I could get nowhere close to 3k to do what I've done, so I'm eager to see the results.
I'm an anti-JL guy (but no disrespect to those that use them, they aren't "bad" by any stretch), mainly because they do not offer proper processing. When the JL Cleansweep came out, I was impressed but quickly depressed by it. Impressed by the hype, depressed by the actual function. Please do correct me if I'm wrong, but the Cleansweep does NOT output a center or surround channel. Just stereo front and rear. In my professional opinion, this is a huge step backwards from the stock system.
You know, what I want is something like a JBL MS8 but with twice the channels or close. Processing IS the biggest hurdle to overcome, on this we agree and I've been on that soapbox since back in 2010 when I bought my first Flex, that processing is the largest issue on these cars. It just isn't getting it done, despite being a "surround" system. However, once you choose what channels you are going to process and what you are going to leave out, the system can start coming together.
You can't use two MS8's strapped together, but there are some good processors out there than can be implemented. With the advent of tiny chip-amps (for use with the low output speakers like the center and rears), you can make it work pretty well these days.