Matt,
I've been in the organized hobby for over 40 years. Those who wouldn't sully their collection with a reprint seem to hate them with a disturbing passion. Their feelings seem to say, "it's cheating to buy reprints". Really? Some major collectors were most disturbed about reprints. They thought reprints would steal the thunder from their own originals. Reprints would decrease the value of their originals.
Nothing ever steals the thunder of originals. Reprints make a lot of people aware of the originals. Sometimes they become wish catalogs in themselves; thus, in time, when funds build and the opportunity to purchase the original is before you, you jump at the chance to buy the real deal. Without the reprints, you might not have "jumped".
In the spring of 1972, I responded to an advertisement placed by Mike Aronstein concerning a reprint baseball card set he had produced of the 1933 DeLong Gum Company set. Set me back all of 3-4 bucks, at the most. It was one of the best purchases I ever made. Mike's reprints were of extremely high quality, original size, but with a gloss that only a diphead would mistake for the real thing. I still have the set, and my copy of Lionel Carter's article on these cards that inspired me to desire them in the first place. Though I never bought original DeLongs, the reprint set was a catalyst towards investigating and purchasing other 1930s cards that WERE original.
Back to your question. Of course, purchase quality reprints of Honus and Eddie. Don't ever hang your head in shame. Whilst keeping in mind the option of purchasing an original of either famous rarity was not considered of course, distilling the question of whether to include a reprint here or there comes down to this. You don't have "to slave away half your life" just to satisfy some old grouch that you only have original cards. As far as just accepting the fact that you will never own the two toughies, I beg you, do not walk down that plank!
However, it's a personal decision. Know thyself. To thine own self be true. If you know you cannot enjoy the reprint giving its 75% or more of the eye candy of an original, then don't torture your baby blues and mind and heart by buying them.
Think of all the other cards and items you could purchase with the money you would save. This would be true of many other prime expensive cards, natch. Yup, nothing beats an original. On the other hand, don't wait 'til you're at death's door and lament, I never did get a ________________. Maybe I should have bought a good reprint.
Though you began your goal less than two months ago, it's obvious from your numbers that you've made immense progress. Regardless, your goal is still a daunting one as it is. Never forget that. Purchasing quality reprints of Honus and Eddie makes too much sense. Honest to Honus.
And another thing. I'm sure you had some dandy reasons, but .....don't punish yourself with an old-looking reprint of The Flying Dutchman and Gettysburg Eddie. Get some imaginary PSA 10 Gem Mint Harris Collection killers.
Just my five cents. ---Brian Powell