Somewhat biased advice, cos my 1st lathe was a CL3. It has my vote, I really felt that the robustness of the bearing significantly assisted the performance.
The only comment I'd make is that Record look to be jiggering about with re-positioning the CL range in price terms following their taking over distribution of the Nova range, and introducing new models too (should add this is all my interpretation and supposition based on attending the D&M show last November and the press and marketing/promotional activity from Record since - I have no special insider knowledge!).
I'd suggest that their pricing at shows or via their Spring promotion (I'm guessing there will be one - again, no insider knowledge!) could be beneficial to you, especially if you're planning to do it within a few months rather than next week......which is a way of saying that there may be scope for a bigger upgrade than you're presently planning on?
And that leads me on to something you've probably considered, but that may drop into your range following the above possible marketing changes - it's the magic of electronic (completely) variable speed control! (that's the CL4 I'm talikng about in particular).
My vote would have to be 'go for it if you can'. I am a total convert, it makes life an unimaginably amount quicker and easier. The most obvious is the ability to set the speed of rotation to the safest sweet point, just like that! And then adjust it again 20 seconds later when you've re-modelled a sticky-out bit, and again, and again, fabulous! Each time just a slight turn of the knob. And you've tested the rotation for safety clearance, adjusted the rest at the best possible angle/alignment, and locked in the chuck or whatever at exactly the right position....all done at a very slow speed, say 20 rpm. That's probaby a bit odd to read, but it is delightful in the flesh!
OOps! My first lathe was actually a Clarke - and I learnt a lot from it, and confirmed that I was irretrievably committed to the slippery slope!
But my first serious lathe was a CL3......