Agree to all of that, my point was these are alternative, less conventional options made possible by an 8 ft tank. Any of them would take some research before jumping in.The Chalceus won't go well with neons, but are very nice. The Leporinus are nice for a nice tank, but not planted with most plants, and are too boisterous for most small fish (and capable of inhaling them). The Metynnis would be nice, and not impossible to keep in a planted tank, but it is not for most people as it will be a challenge in itself.
--Worth considering if you want to look into something different or something you hadn't thought of. But to each their own and whatever makes you happy is the thing.