$1300 is about what I paid for my my XCD2 Tech with undergarment, hood and Trek Boots.
In my group of 4 guys that I dive with every weekend, we all have XCD2's and they are great suits. I am the only one with the Tech. The other 3 have Pro's. I guess the front zip is OK but it's really not a huge deal unless you intend to dive alone. Frankly, I think that the Pro is actually more streamlined if you have it fit right. Also, the extending torso on the Tech is a bunch of crap so don't get hung up on that.
Boots (Trek or Integrated) - I happen to have skinny feet / ankles so I had to go with the Trek boots in order to minimize air migration to the feet. Sure, you can over come that with gaiters but then you might as well have gone with the boots. Personally, if they fit right, I would go with the integrated boot. They are plenty durable and it's one less thing to deal with.
Thermals - I use a combination of Polartec Power Stretch and the CT200 Polar Extreme in temps from the mid 30's to high 60's by varying the layers. It's very versatile but does require some weighting adjustments depending on the combination I choose for the conditions. I should also go on the record and say that Bare's undergarments suck like none other. Yes, they are warm but if you can get a different one, do it. I would give you mine but I don't know you well enough to do something that mean.
Suspenders - DON'T buy them. They SUCK (they're $50!) and you can make them for $3 and literally 5 minutes of time. No kidding.
I would definitely buy one of these suits again. We use them in very harsh conditions (rocky shore entries, lobstering, wrecks etc.) and they are bullet proof. No 2 ways about it.
Bare's HD Tech Trilam is also very nice if it's in your budget. Don't worry about warmth. Just adjust your thermals accordingly.