I also use the 7i76e combined with a 7i73 for my old fashoned buttons plus lcd.
Yes, not cheapo but in my eyes the mesa cards are realy on industrie level standard.
And I was just 5 minutes ago standing in front of my mill, guessing how i could implement such a Z-ballscrew... But as usual, such a project will need several months.
Have fun and stay healthy.
Mike