Deane

Just did a BK7M / BK9 comparison. Ran both mono into the same channel on my PA. All I listened to was the OTB Styles. Went back and forth and tried hard to pick out any differance. First I thought the BK7M was a bit more detailed but then I thought the BK9 was somehow cleaner. After about a 1/2 hour of back and forth with about 10 different Styles I'm calling it a draw. They're the same to me. Now as to the Solo voices I didn't go there because I believe the BK9 has more variety. They both have the same basic soundset which is really all you need. I find myself narrowing down my soundset so I'm more familiar with the ones I use most.
Don't know what it was but its a shame you gave up on the BK9. I think it was simple fix of things like the the Makeup Tools, EQ on Parts, etc.
Good luck with your new board