shueymusic - You mention using it a few months ago and being able to hit the ground running for the most part. Did you keep the mixer and if not, what happened?
I only had the 24.4.2 for the weekend to try to sell it for a dealer friend of mine. When I used it for the gig, everything went really smooth using it as a "LIVE" board. The only thing that held me back was the price. I loved how it worked and if I get any bigger sound gigs, I may pull the trigger... my friend gave me a deal $400-$500 below the MAP price.
I have the Yamaha n12 in my studio. I am hoping Yamaha has something up their sleeve to release something like the Presonus in the next year or so... here's to wishing!!