Hi
I'm in the UK too, it is a bit hard to try before you buy with glass, maybe it makes it even more exciting when you order a new rod?
I have a 7'6 3wt ********* and it would be a good choice, if you built it up yourself like you're planning or even get a UK builder to build up a blank, it will still be significantly cheaper than buying a built rod.
I bought the blank from Dusty on sale and then sent it to Sandy Nelson in Scotland, he builds really great rods, got another on the way from him now.
My ********* is pretty soft, but I really like it for nymphs and dries. I think you can't get much more fun from a 3wt, a 6in trout hoops this rod over! It handles fish over 12 in fine as well.
I also have a 7'6 4wt ********* from a board member, I've only cast this rod in the garden, not fished, but it's quite a bit firmer than the 3wt, and would be a better choice if you're wanting to fish a dropper.
I like 3wt rods but I'm coming round to 4 weights in 7'6 - 8'ish rods in general just for that bit more versatility. Even a 5wt won't do any more to scare the fish away on most rivers I fish, but will make dealing with wind, fishing bigger flies, droppers etc much easier.