So,
@CaseySJ, I think you'll like this analysis and recommendation:
if Apple continue to push this as hard as they are (no bootable backups), and you need a great spare/backup Mac, well then this is a great argument for a Hackintosh spare! It's obviously cheaper, easier to upgrade, alter in many ways and put into production. As long as Macs support x86, then this can be a viable option!
So, there, another argument for a Hackintosh....if you need a spare, well, here is one viable (and affordable) option!