No offense... But I think you're confusing wavetable synth (like PPG Wave or Xphraze) with FM synth...
Other wise, FM synth (aka phase modulation) is an additive synthesis of "non lineal" type.
additive synthesis? phase modulation?
frequency modulation? three different things. there is nothing in FM-7 which would fall under phase or additive.
While Cube and CA-5000 are "lineal" additive synthesis, so they aren't so far away as it can be expected...
the main difference between 8 operators and 1024 partials is that 1024 are 128 times more than 8 (no matter if you do that with FFT, FOF, ringing filters or sampleplayers). i can upload a free copy of P-Calc if you dont trust me.
I only know the powercore SH 101 and the TC Mercury and both are lightweight (especially the powercore one LOL)
good thinking, lets use what works. thats why i never bought cameleon!