I know that price is a factor. But please make sure that the boots fit you. A brand/model that is cheaper, but doesn't fit will can cause pain, injuries, impede progress and other things that can't be quantified with a dollar figure. I have friends who've never been properly fitted, and order their boots over the internet. Because they're "comfortable" are fine with them. But I can see from the way they've broken them in that they are too big, in width and sometimes length. As a result, they have problems progressing, simply because their feet are flopping around in there and they can't control their skates very well. A skate tech can help you get into something that will fit YOUR foot (Don't be so sure that you and your friend have exactly the same foot btw). S/he can also modify the boot if need be. Say you find a model that is tight in the ball, but perfect in the heel. They can punch those bad boys out for you. Heels can't really be squeezed though (it doesn't last very long), so you need to prioritize the fit in the heel.
Boot stiffness is a function of your size (weight), level, and your personal skating technique, and is something you should discuss with your tech. You can test in the shop-stand on both feet, heels down and bend your knees. You'll know if a boot is too stiff right away- if you can't get your knees to your toes you need to move to a lower model. If you can bend your knees easily, and flex the boot, you probably should move up. I've had some on that I've worried about creasing in the store! With luck your tech will have a shop in a rink where they can see you skate. My US tech has moved into such a location, and it's great- by watching me skate, he fixed problems with blade alignment that I didn't even realise I had. It's also good to develop a relationship with a tech (I'm nothing special as a skater, but have been going to the same guy for ever...and make it a special point to get my skates to him when I'm stateside). He works magic for me that others just cant.
As far as blades, separate is better if you're skating seriously, for exactly the reasons skatemom189 mentioned above. Also they will have profile with a spin rocker designed for higher level spins. Different blades have different profiles, and unfortunately the only way to find what you like is trial and error. You're at a point though where I doubt subtle changes will matter much, so go with what your coach says. CorAce is a great blade as are MK Professionals, I skated in both for years- got well into my doubles in Professionals. My tech likes the Ultima line because the quality control is much better than Mk/Wilson. You won't have to worry about warped blades (which are rare, but do happen). I'm now skating on some by Ultima and they're fine. I'd buy them again. The Eclipse aren't available here so Ive not even seen them. I have heard good things on this forum though. I resisted mentioning models before, because I really think this is something you should discuss with your coach. Your equipment is super important. Skates are the only thing you really need to skate, so you should really prioritize them.
Get thee to the shop in SYD and try those riedells and risports on before you commit. You might be very surprised when you put them on. If you're lucky they'll have the Risports too so you can compare directly. Do call before you go so they can tell you what stock is available (and maybe try to get some in for you!). I have to drive 14 hours to a shop with a knowledgable tech, or go to my guy in the US, but it is totally worth it. Make an overnight vacay out of it if you can (There must be something else in SYD you'd like to do!).