What's the greatest bargain in audio racks these days?

Rebbi, look at VTI. Very low,price and the quality is just fine.

I have a 15K system bought on a used\discounted budget. I could not justify the expense of high priced racks. Most all my tweaks are DIY.

I also have an older Target welded steel rack.  I filled it with sand and replaced the plywood shelves with 2” maple ones.  I should add that my rack currently stands w/spikes on carpeted Concrete floor.  Vibrations emanating from floor are not an issue, only equipment and air borne ones are a concern.  When i had it placed on a framed subfloor, I set the stand on a 2’ x 2’ concrete slab which was in turn isolated with washer/dryer footer pad from the plywood floor.

I am sure that there are things that can be done to fortify the Salamander rack. 

I think the idea of placing your TT on a separate stand is a good one.  

Keep us posted.

Sometimes they come up used here and always sell quick.

If you are interested in DIY project, a great stand can be made from Ikea (or similar) butcher block sheets and solid threaded pipe. I made two of these at a nominal cost. They are quite solid, and I think, quite attractive. The solid rod is 1" in diameter, with large hex nuts, metal washers, and Herbie’s anti-vibe thin washers between the butcher block shelves. I relied on a local cabinet maker and woodworker to drill the holes for the pipe.

 I also tapped the bottom of the four pipe legs so I could screw in Black Diamond Racing cones for spikes.

Spoiler alert!
I am selling my one of a kind Billy Bage racks here on the Gon...
Seems to fit your checklist quite well, just saying...:-)