rh5592 and GFK,
This is a relatively small environment. VLANs are already applied for a few smaller networks like voice and other connectivity. I also agree with the KISS Technic 
My hope was that I might have misread or miss the reading if some technical document that would allow me to configure LACP, and if preferably on multiple switches, with the Essentials version. Unfortunately that does not seems the case 
.
I will go towards the route based on port ID alternative.
Thanks to all of you that helped on this matter.
Rui