Have already watched Gunbuster twice (masterpiece!), Diebuster, Wings of Honneamise, Kare Kano (unique in a very good way!), Mahoromatic (what a strange ending), This Ugly but Beautiful World (underwhelming)...and even Ebichu (very funny!)
Gurren Laggan is definitely next on my list!
Shikabane Hime will follow that
Thanks for your recommendations.
And yes, I'll avoid heroics aka Nadia the Movie