Very sound thinking. We got a big female boa, and that is the perfect snake if you are looking for something bigger but not overwhelming in my opinion. They get no where near as big as a burm, and have a much gentler demeanor than a retic, though i have seen a few pissed-off boas in my day. Even with my female boa, though she has never hissed or striked at me, i am always aware of her body langauge and only pull her out when my GF is also home. A 6 foot boa can still kill you if get in trouble and have a coil or 2 around your neck and have no one there to help you out.
Robin