What size is the 40? Angels do prefer taller tanks, but a standard 40g is tall enough for them IMHO. I wouldn't put anything in there that could fit in the angels mouths though, although they aren't an aggressive fish, never trust an angel not to eat anything it can fit in its mouth.
If he doesn't want neons or cardinal sized fish, maybe suggest some of the larger tetras like black skirts or persellas. I wouldn't do barbs of any kind myself, but that is a personal opinion from past experience, they tend to nip more than I like.
Rams are find in a 40, and I'd say you could get two pair in there happily as long as it's planted and has room for them to hide in.
Also I would reiterate what was said above, everything you've looked at and suggested so far likes pH 7.0 or below... if his tap is too high pH to keep at 7.0 easily, I'd reconsider the rams and khuli. I would honestly test his tap, find out what is easy for him to maintain, and work with what fish he likes that work in those parameters.
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