After some experimentation, I've been able to get a decent tone with a direct line into my Firebox and running Amplitube. For the recording process it looks like this is how I will work with guitar. I think my pedal board will work for live and for just fucking around. Another factor that may have played into it might have been that I was just playing to hard. For recording I don't need to look like a rock star strumming like mad. Got over a hurdle, guitar parts should be recorded very soon.

It'll also be helpful to use the hardware effects while writing, since Amplitube won't be running and eating up the CPU (which it LOVES to do). That should be less of a problem once I get my new PC up and running after the holidays:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 (dual core) 5000+ 2.6Ghz, could easily be overclocked to 3.0, if I need it.
2GB RAM
80GB System/Program Drive, 250GB Audio Drive
19" Widescreen monitor, maybe bigger if the prices are down by then.
My Firebox of course, and my new Events.