Thanks, everyone for the input. I believe the sensible middle way for me is to buy an XT - M8100 shifter and derailleur separately, maybe a cheaper (SLX) 12-speed chain and get a SunRace MZ903 11-51 cassette. I miss out on 34 x 10 but save some money and don't need to get a microspline freehub (even more money saved there).
Thanks, everyone for the input. I believe the sensible middle way for me is to buy an XT - M8100 shifter and derailleur separately, maybe a cheaper (SLX) 12-speed chain and get a SunRace MZ903 11-51 cassette. I miss out on 34 x 10 but save some money and don't need to get a microspline freehub (even more money saved there).