Just want to chime in and say "thanks so much for the writeup, ataraxis". I just ordered my silent drivers and am totally amazed that there are still makers which optimize and pimp the Ultimaker original. Will report back when everything's installed.
I bought my printer ~4 years ago (back in the time it was just called Ultimaker) and installed a heated print bed recently, am printing the UM2 extruder right now and the "near frictionless" spool holder. It's really great to have you all here, helping with upgrades and inventing new things.
Thanks so much for all the ideas and joy!
Thomas
edit: The stepper drivers arrived and I installed X,Y and E. It's fabulous! Never thought that the UMO could be that silent. WAF + 1000