Well After reading this Thread im quiet suprised the diffrent Opinions from so many People, so ill say my salt.
I Thinks Jens has done his home work well on the Aca500, I dont think 8mb would make a big diffrence, The Aca1220 as addon is a much better Option plus its32bit ram, leaving more Local 24bit ram on the aca500 free for whdload games, the 89€ for the aca1220@16mhz can easliy be upgraded with a better 68020 with the right Equipment if needed, ive done it FritzSteve has done it. But the Aca500 is a fantastic starting platform to build on for future Upgrades.and the Aca1220 is more the enough for whdload games.
If you have a good restored A500+ the Aca500 is enough and you dont Need a clock on the ACA500 waste of Money, Extra 1mb for chip you can "order Dont know if im allowed to say Website" for 15€ and build it yourself. Then you have a perfect whdload machine.
If you wont Os3.9 then Honestly your using the wrong Amiga, I think Aca 1232 personelly Overkill. The Housing for the Aca500 you can make yourself if it bothers you for under 10€ using plexi Glass. I Think its a Great Entry product for Older and Newer User.