I've been using an HTPC for 5 years now originally started with a dell Inspiron 580S with a Centon cable tuner and WMC.
Over the years I've pretty much settled on the following:
SABnzbd
Sick beard
Couch Potato
With that alone and a server hard wired to a wireless router you are set free.
It doesn't even matter what front end you use (Kodi/XMBC, Plex, etc.), what OS you use, or what hardware you use for each client PC/Stream box (Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromebox, etc.)
I've done it all, from WMC/XBMC auto switching, custom WMC channel logos, auto rip BR sort and file, etc.
The only thing that matters are those three programs, bookmarking the address in your smart phones browser and knowing how to automate, file, and store your content. Obviously securing your connection is important but that's not relevant to this discussion.