[Elecraft] K144XV - More Advice Requested

[Joel Black]

After my initial email regarding the K144XV, I went to work trying to 
sell stuff. As of today, I think I have enough to buy all I need for the 
K144XV option. I have some questions though. I'll get to those in a minute.

As I stated before, the purchase of the K144XV is being done to both 
consolidate and simplify my station. I have just sold an ID-880H D-STAR 
radio which I used very little. I really don't much get on 2 m in the 
house - mostly when I'm piddling around town or back and forth to work. 
However, I do want the capability to work local repeaters. I have never 
done any terrestrial 2 m CW / SSB (although I did my share of satellite 
work in the late 90's and early 00's). I am interested in 2 m CW and 
have antennas I could modify for that; however, my tower is only 35' 
tall (about 10.5 m). I don't know if I'll be satisfied with that or not. 
All of that said, here are my questions:

1. I will need the FM filter to work local 2 m FM repeaters. If memory 
serves, the FM filter will also allow AM transmission. Is this correct 
or am I mistaken?

2. For 2 m SSB / CW work, I will need the K144RFLK (or it's at least 
recommended), correct? Does the K144RFLK lock to the standard TCXO or 
will I need the super-stable TCXO (KTCXO3-1) also?

3. I have a 2 m preamp left over from my satellite days (it's an Icom 
AG-35 that will allow transmit through). Is there a way to turn the 
preamp on from the K3 without having to install a bias-T and switch?

I want to get as much "bang for my buck" as possible. I don't want to 
spend all this money and only be able to work 2 m FM with very limited 2 
m CW.

At the risk of expanding my station (something I do *not* want to do), I 
have limited access to an FT-847 that I could try before I buy. I could 
actually buy it cheaper than all that I think I need for the K144XV. The 
FT-847 does not have a very good HF transceiver, but the the VHF/UHF 
part is great.

I appreciate all advice or suggestions. Thanks.

73,
Joel - W4JBB