Another alternative to consider would be to get a Triton TRA001, 3.25 hp, which has a built in above table height adjustment. Cost is $280, far less than a separate lift and a smaller hp router. I've kept my old Boach 1617 routers and bases for freehand use, but find myself using a small Bosch Colt for most freehand use. A small Bosch freehand, midsize router kit with both bases will be about $200 or so, so you'll still be in the price range of a Jessem or other top of the line router lift. Worth thinking about. I got my Triton on recommendation of Harry Sinclair, longtime member here. I've never been disappointed and the extra hp means I can cut anything with ease. I find the triton too heavy for freehand use, so I leave it in the table. That's my take on what to get. Here's a pix of the Triton in an aluminum mounting plate.
I don't do a lot of freehand routing anymore. I feel it's much safer to use a table mounted machine instead. My freehand tasks are often things like cutting hinge and latch mortices, so a 1 hp trim router is easier to handle than a larger machine. The trim routers only take a 1/4 inch shank bit, whick is OK for most uses.