Try a New Designz feedneck. It will lower your hopper. I have a similar setup to what you have.
04 Imagine
J&J 14in ceramic barrel
Dye stickies<---- definitely recommend over the plastic grips
New Designz feedneck
Egg hopper
20 oz CO2
There is not really any wrong setups. More often than not its personal preference. I am new to paintballing as well. What you have there will be fine to start out with until you get your skill level up.
I've seen the Driver online for like $40. I bought my Evil Pipe Kit for $110. Email me and I'll send you the link. $70 is a rip off. And as far as a hopper the Empire Reloader isn't bad for about $40 don't worry about LCD models you won't be paying attention to that during a game anyway. A feed neck would be good and a new Delrin bolt would be good.
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# 67
Smart Parts ION- Black
Empire Reloader
72/3000 Pure Energy
14" Evil Pipe Kit with an Ultra front