Well, I just did the thing I didn't think I'd do, I went for a 54", after saying I wouldn't go that long. But, it was a bubble rope PP had listed for their clearance sale, and I've seen a number of members' bubble ropes and LOVE them.
So, after our discussions, WHEN I got an opera/rope, which was going to be a fairly long time, I was going to get a 40". I've now purchased one 35" blue baroque akoya and one 54" FW bubble rope, neither of which had I been thinking about at all. Ugh. And, I've more than tapped out my pearl budget, so I need to learn to start drooling from afar. But, I'm so excited!!