Ian,
Much of what you say shows wisdom and holds water. Yes, and IUD and DNJ do manage well with only 61 keys. One makes do with what one has (and needs). But, I too came from the class of 61. It was in fact the comments from the likes of IUD (when he owned a 9000PRO), that encouraged me to step out and go for the upgrade. I have never looked back. It’s great if you want to solo piano, (I love doing solo piano) but with the rest of the technology that this machine and similar ones like it offers, I very rarely do solo piano work. 76 keys gives me the extra real estate, the better key feel and what seems to be the superior quality of production build (robustness) that provides me with the technical edge that I have not found 61 keys can provide. It provides me with the additional capability and confidence which builds the creativity for the moment. For what I do, I would never (well hardly ever) consider going back to 61 – it is way too constrictive (for all the reasons mentioned). That is why I have kept the 9000PRO for so long, adding the extra board or two, USB port, memory and the like, even though I am always looking at an upgrade alternative (currently the Roland G70 or Korg P2x). I am so thankful that that the likes of Roland and KORG continue to have their priorities in focus for us “small number of players who need 76 keys”.

Jon