I know that a lot of people don't fancy the africans but bare in mind those guys LOVE being overcrowded, in fact it helps them be less aggressive. Obviously there are some larger africans that don't appreciate crowding but a little reading up here and there and you might find yourself being suprised.
I think if you want to get your original stock go for it, it's your tank.
Yes there is a chance it might not work out, but like all us cichlid keepers you experiment, and if your fish are fighting too much then you just remove some until you get the balance right. these guys are trying to make it easy for you and tell you what will work in there long term. but if you are the kind of aquarist who changes their mind on stocking every few years or so then you really need not worry too much, just keep an eye on them all and make sure they are healthy. if they fight, remove one of them either to another tank or to the LFS.
