It seems mostly reasonable to me, but some of the generalities may not be as general as you think. For ranges, for example, (1) backs: quite a few companies offer different backs. For example, BlueStar has what they call an "island" back available on all ranges -- very low profile, and no real back-splash to speak of. This is just an example -- other brands offer the same option. (2) Price is what it is -- BlueStar, Capital, Wolf, Thermador, Viking, all want pretty close to 5k for a basic 36" range and some are more, even for all gas, and more still if you want dual fuel. If those prices seem out of line, don't even look at French options. BlueStar does, however, have the RCS model, with much lower prices, but still maybe 3k. Lower output on the high burners, but you still get open burners, and good output, and modifications have been described on this board to go higher. You might find floor models, close-outs, etc., with all sorts of things, but not necessarily what you want when you want it.

Range top: this may save you a bit of money, depending on the oven you pair it with. Or not -- take a 3K range-top and a 2k oven and you've paid what you'd pay for a 5K range. I don't think they're ugly at all, but ugly, like beauty, may be in the eye of the beholder.

Cooktops can offer good value and design flexibility but you yourself have noticed that the dollar savings may be paired with downgraded function. Many gas cooktops have 5 burners, instead of 6, and less flexibility/customization than you might find on a range or rangetop. Output may be reduced (depends on brand & model) Controls one some are awkward and on some may be very awkward (depends on brand and model). You may give up continuous grates, etc.

When pricing these things out, keep total price in mind. Does something slide into an existing (or planned) space, or does it require a custom cut-out in a counter or a cabinet modification? What sort of ventilation are you planning (need to go a little wider with island mounted cooktops & rangetops, for example)? What duct work or other modifications will that require? These factors may be more or less a wash when comparing two options, but they may not be. An extra 1 or 2k is real money, whether you're spending 15k on a kitchen or 100. But it pays to keep the full price in mind for any given bundle -- from the machine to its ancillary machines, to cabinet or counter work, gas and/or electric hookups, etc. Maybe you're balking at a 2k difference for a given piece that will only be 800 bucks, when all's said and done; or maybe you're on the fence about a 1k difference that's really going to be 3 or 4k when all's said and done.

Cannot hurt to look and try -- personally I found it helpful to sorting things out, but that's me.

I am in the "Range" camp. My big pro is - it is under my vent hood when I broil fish or have anything else smelly in the oven.

I'm a little late to the discussion, but I am having the same thoughts/concerns as you, and also don't love the hugeness that rangetops usually have. I am considering the Verona Pro Series VECTGP365SS, but can't find any discussions about this brand. The Bosch oven that you posted is similar in looks to the Ikea Nutid wall oven. It has a big oven, and is made by Whirlpool for Ikea. Unfortunately, there seems to be a problem with the self-cleaning feature on it, so I may wind up with the Bosch.