What's the perfect new-MBP configuration for Logic?

Question

I hope this isn't a troll.  I've been waiting, waiting WAITING for the "refresh" of the MacBook Pro (MBP) to come out so I can solve a few performance problems (including my use of Logic which really requires it to be on one of those laptop fan-stands to keep it cool).  The good news?  The "refresh" is out.  The bad news, there is a huge choice -- old-style MBP or retina-display MBP?
I think I've concluded that "old style" is the way to go -- I like to repair/upgrade my machines too much to give that option up.  So now I'm working on what to put in it.  Hence this post.  Given your experiences, what would you stick in the "perfect" old-style MBP if you were in my shoes?  Here's what I'm leaning towards.
-- Max out the non-upgradeable stuff when I buy the machine -- so...
   -- 2.7 GHz processor
   -- Hi-Res Anti-glare screen
-- Minimize the "upgradeable" bits (since I'm going to replace them with aftermarket stuff)
   -- 750GB 5400 rpm disk drive
   -- Minimum memory
-- Aftermarket upgrades
   -- Memory
   -- Disk drive
   -- Replace optical drive with a flash drive
Questions:
1) Memory upgrade -- any recommendations on memory that runs cooler than other types?  My current setup started running a bit hotter when I swapped in aftermarket memory.  I'd cheerfully buy Apple memory to avoid this problem, but maybe there's an aftermarket flavor that is equally good?
2) Disk drive -- same thing, although I'm not cheerful about buying the Apple versions unless I absolutely have to.  Throughput is key, right?  Anything else I should be keeping an eye on?  Again, heat is something I'm trying to avoid.
3) Optical drive -- I am massively confused on this one.  I understand the benefits to throughput (and perhaps heat).  But which things should go where?  OS and other "static" stuff (like application programs) on the flash drive (to avoid the finite-writes problem)?  So put Logic Pro and the sound files on the flash drive (I'm thinking that's what I'm going to do)?  Put project files there too?  Recommendations on brands?  Recommendations on optical-drive replacement kits?
4) Anything else that *you're* doing to build your 2012 MBP for Logic?
Sorry if this is a troll -- I tried to find this post on the list.  If there is one, just link me into the thread.  Thanks!

Answer 1

The RME I use is so intuitive it knows knows my moods and often refuses to record as it knows I'm going to $uck so why bother.
It also decides on which takes to keep.
pancenter-
p.s. MOTU stuff is solid and straightforward.