I still don't see how imac is different from a mac mini apart from a monster lcd scree with a graphic card.
Personally, I am gonna get the mac mini soon for the low price and similar specs, I can easily bump the ram up myself for less than a hundred bucks and the whole system still gonna cost me less than 1.1k with a superb monitor and wireless keyboard + mouse.
What you are going to get is your prerogative. I'm only recommend. It's up to you to go realise the value of it.
If you can't see the aesthetic value of a complete iMac versus a disparate set of items, then it's a different eye that we are talking about. It's art where the value involves. No one can force one to like a particular painting of another's favourite.
If you don't see the value of a discrete graphic card in terms of performance, then you just don't have what it takes to recognize it. Then obviously there is nothing much to discuss.
Should having these 2 items listed above be FREE and costless ? Even a new coating on the same car with the same colour cost money, why should these items be free ? However the value of how much you want to place upon aesthetic value is your choice
I find your calculation of the cost rather incorrect. So if you feel a mac mini is suitable for you, please go ahead

Fine with me actually...