Like you, it's not all about speed, but from what I'm hearing the LAMS 250's are like ridiculously slow...Might have to see if my mate will let me ride his to get the feel of it...He's trying to sell it to me but I'm not really looking to buy right now...It's a red/black 09 Ninja 250, if you're interested...
Either way I'd say that's the path I'll take, means spending less initially while still having a decent looking bike, having something to ride and gain experience on, and then move up to something bigger/better looking..
When I passed my test she said if I don't have my card mailed out in 8 weeks to give them a call to chase it up, so I'd say allow 8 weeks...You should have the piece of paper they gave you that acts as a temp license in the meantime anyway....Not that you have a bike to ride lol