I like MIDI drum tracks too, but after playing a client's Tyros5-76 last evening, I must say the audio drum based styles were very impressive...the client, who is a pro for many years, really liked them as well and it was one of the first things he mentioned...the T5 is replacing his Tyros3, and he still has and uses a 9000Pro (he likes having 76 keys).

I think the most important words in your post are "alternate choices" with emphasis on "choices".

At one time, using up 40 spaces for differently made styles in an arranger's on-board factory banks would/could be kind of wasteful especially if many of those styles didn't appeal to you, or had very limited editing compared to those with MIDI drum tracks.

With today's arrangers sporting virtually unlimited storage for styles, it's not actually relevant anymore.

I went to the clinic with some reservations on the audio drum based styles, considering some of the criticism leveled at them here on SZ, but, I must say, they were quite effective, especially those in the Latin and Swing/Jazz categories.

If I needed a 76 note arranger, I'd sell or trade up my Tyros4 for a Tyros5-76 in a heartbeat, but I'm perfectly happy with 61 for arranger duties, so I'll stick with what I have, as most of the new features wouldn't be useful for my needs.

But again, the operative word is "choice", and, it's nice to see a company at least adventuring into new territory and taking the risks involved.

Ian