MM, I must agree with you on many of the points you made. There are workarounds you can do, but I found that several operations are more complex than on X1 or SD1.
I am now using Midjay with a keyboard controller. It is SO easy to operate and sounds much the same.
Of course there are drawbacks to it too, but all in all I am extremely happy using the Midjay. This is actually my third time around using it as my primary arranger. I will stay with it unless the Audya blows me away when and if it ever arrives.
I find it necessary for my purposes to use an external vocal harmonizer with the Midjay. I got the new Harmony M unit yesterday and LOVE it so far. There is a post about it on the General Arranger Forum.
DonM