yep, you are absolutely right mate, however as a starter with out loadsa condenser mics, a nice space to record in and shiny preamps, is it a big deal ??

MOTU make a USB 2 version of the 828 mk II (that I use) that will give you 20 channels of 16/44.1 however it will cost !

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/8477

It has very nice converters, lots of routing options and many different digital and analogue interfaces however it is a long way from Behringer !!