My first project on my Launch edition SO3 (serial #0006) was in aluminum:
and folks have done quite well w/ SO3s:
The big determination should be time constraints — if you can trade a reduction in machining time and an increase in productivity into money, then yes, the newer machine which can cut faster/deeper is what you need — if a lower-priced machine is where you are at financially to get started, you can allow for more time in machining, taking a lighter, slower cut and still get good results.
We will gladly support you either way and do our best to assist.