So Frustrated!

I personally have not had good luck with mass rebuilders. As an ASE Master I isntalled a lot of "rebuilt" engines. Most were designed to last just through the warranty. That's not to demean CME - I went to the site and it's hard to gage a mass rebuilder or a local shop that's got a lot of motivation. IMO - even given the fact that they do a lot of work, the prices are too good to be true. I'd look for references from customers that have the race and street/strip engines.
My own feelings have always been to be in control of parts choice and machining choices, and to have a face to go get in if there was some reason to later. If you buy one, go bigger.
In terms of balancing - IMO - yes. Every engine I build gets internally balanced. It's the best way to do it, the results are feelable, and the payback is in power, lifespan, and efficiency.