Why not do a community of small bichirs and some medium-sized dithers? You did mention that you like bichirs after all.
It's ok! Flowerhorns aren't for everybody. Personally I don't really like the kok either but only when it looks really nice. Pike cichlids are really cool too. Never owned one though.Forgive me for saying so, but I've never been fond of the flowerhorn. Looks like the have giant tumors. I always think I might mistake an actual parasite for just another unsightly bump on the fish. ... However, the pike cichlids are appealing. Never had one of those either. Do they have interesting personalities?