Thanks for all the comments folks, I really appreciate it.
Thanks for your concern but I'll probably go liquid because a silent build is very important but let me elaborate so its more clear why. I will be flying (career) a lot and often on deployments we are bunked with a few other folks and due to the flight scheduleles, I could be up while another roomate is sleeping. I know in the world of pc cooling 30-40dBA is considered "quiet" but it's really not; hence my insistance on as close to 10dBA as possible.
Hopefully this explains why I need to go water. As far as galvinization goes, when I did my first liquid loop back in the day, it was a big problem from the varying cooling companies. Based on your response, I'm assuming its not so much a problem anymore and perhaps most companies simply stick to copper.
I am not building this rig because it's cost effective, I know full well that the 1080Ti is substantially less, I also know, for the most part, SLI is going downhill. I'm aware, however, I would still rather pay more for that 10-20%.
In terms of the shipping and hassle of setup; Our deployments are 12-18months. I don't mind shipping it dry and setting it back up. This pc isnt a weekend traveller, its a deployment rig. But yes, I know it will be a pain, and I'm happy to have all you folks here to help me pick out the best cooling parts and help me ensure it is as leakproof as possible.
An larger case, bigger rad, what-have-you would definitely cool better, but that breaks my compactness factor.
About the 140's, THANK YOU. I will change the build snd not use them. I suppose then, that I will use 2× 240's and maybe 1×120 for the rear.
One final note, please do not consider price in any of your "factoring".
Marc, that setup from Calyos has got to be one of the coolest things ever haha, too bad its so huge
Seriously, I appreciate all the advice you all voluntarily give. Please, continue to help. Thank you.