Here is what I think:

Equinox is good if you want a dedicated synth. The question is, are you that kind of person who spends days to make a new sound? or hours to tweek one preset?

That is the most important use. After the introduction of software sequencers, the only workstation that makes sense in my opinion is the one that offers integrated arrangers with the sequencer. Why? Because if you want to sequence a song from scratch, i.e. without any use of auto-accompaniment, why bother use the hardware sequencer? The software sequencer is more powerful and easier.

So gone are the days of full workstation keyboards that are not arranger. So if the keyboard is not arranger, you buy it for one of the two reasons: DEDICATED synth, or great real sounds. You buy the Equinox for the dedicated synth. This is also applicable to Korg Triton. Roland XV series, however, features excellent real sounds in addition to synth. Roland folks know better so they did not include a sequencer on the keyboard.

The 8meg backed-ram upgrade is a must and is available. The SCSI upgrade is good only if you use exteranl scsi devices.