Smart or dumb?

I don't think you understand the advantages of fast, internal, portable storage.

 

My budget was 1500... so I stuck with the 128. I sort of wish I had the 256, but am doing fine without. I have a tonne of storage on my NAS, but it just isn't the same.

I would choose 256 over a time capsule.

 

I don't think it's either smart or dumb, it all has to do with your expected uses and subjective evaluation of the pros and cons of each setup.

If you have a whole bunch of stuff, but don't need instant access to it always and everywhere, then the time capsule setup isn't a bad idea.

Is the extra $300 for the extra 128 gigs a bit pricey? Perhaps. Then again, I see 128 gig ssd's being sold on new egg for not too much less. 240 or 256 gig ssd drives cost more than that.

If you've been in the mac ecosystem for a while, you'll have to accept that apple will attempt to squeeze money out of you anyway it can. All companies do, I just think apple's a bit better at it. What apple used to charge for ram upgrades not too long ago could just about be legally considered rape.

 

Keep your important must have stuff on your SSD and the not so important infrequently used stuff on your time capsule.