The nice thing about Elinchrom is that color is consistent throughout the line, no matter how you dial up or down the power--this includes the Quadras, head/power pack combos, and monolights. I love the 74" Octabox--for which I use a 2400RX power pack with a single SE head. The symmetry issue stinks. I got the pack brand new at half price. I've had it for six years and have never had a problem with it. I also like the deep Rotolux Octaboxes. The 27" and the 39" are very nice. And the Varistar is a nice way to light a large space with relatively flat lighting.
The Elinchrom brackets and sockets for attaching heads to arms and c-stands are not up to spec. I have had a few fail on me. I have a friend who is a machinist and he is my goto guy when a stupid thing like a clamp, socket, or bracket breaks. I do not like the bayonet mount system for attaching modifyers to the heads. Elinchrom lights can handle voltages from 260 to 90.
Elinchrom is a bargain when compared to Broncolor. The Broncolor modifiers and packs are in a different league altogether. Broncolor is uber expensive, but it is at the top of the heap. The broncolor equipment is built well and it's heavy-duty. The lights and modifyers are heavier than the Elinchrom and Profoto equivalents.
Profoto is what most rental bureaus and rental studios carry. I've used Profoto lights a few times. I like the way the modifiers attach to the lights. Very clever, easy, and secure. You can also get Elinchrom to Profoto adapters so that you can use the Elinchrom modifiers, which I think are really terrific, on Profoto lights.
I have an Elincrhom 300 WS Quadra with an "A" head. It is assymetrical (2 outlets) and is a nifty portable solution. I'm thinking about buying another. For the most part, with the exception of the cheesy bayonet mount system and the skimpy hardware, Elinchrom equipment puts out some really nicre light. Stay away from the BXI series--the light output is fine, but the hardware is terrible. I also have a couple of Digital Style RX 1200 monolights. I've put them through very heavy use for six years; they still work fine. I had to replace a mounting bracket on one of them and the other has a fan that is just barely slightly noisier than when I bought it. I use the monolights for copystand and portraitue.
If I were in your position, I'd look carefully at Profoto. If I had to start over again with building a comprehensive light kit, I'd still go with Elinchrom. I am aware of its pitfalls, but all of the lights and modifiers make great light. If money is not an object, go with Broncolor--the Rolls Royce of strobes.