I'm in exactly the same boat as you, same projector, except my bulb finally went in the summer. Replacing that would not really be a problem, but to be honest it pretty much has the 'blue screen of death' discolouration over a significant portion of the screen too.
So I'm after very similar advice!
I paid 1300 i think, but things have obviously moved on since then, and better technology can be had for cheaper, and I need a replacement as soon as possible.
I've just been reading a thread on the InFocus X9. It's seems to have quite the wow factor according to some and can be had for around £490.
Infocus x9