I think the difference between Yamaha’s XF sysex system and Roland is that Roland simply stores the actual notes. This way, you can still change from root chord to inversion in the style engine.

Looking at that XF metadata, all I see is root chords. Am I missing something?

One of my favorite tricks is to lay down the chords the first time using all inversions, but with root recognition on. So it all sounds straightforward. But you can turn on bass inversion recognition for one of the heads (if a jazz tune, for instance) you’ll get an alternate bass line and chords for some variety. You can even use a foot switch to change from root to inversion on the fly for even more variety...

Yes, Roland not updating the OS to have the CS follow local transposition was a right PITA, I love to shove the last chorus up a half step for a lift (as many songs do) but given they dropped the CS altogether for the VA and G/E series, I suppose it’s better than nothing... 🙄

I consider a CS a must have if you play in arranger mode at all, so Korg and Yamaha pinching the feature (and improving it) is fine with me! If my Roland goes tits up and I can’t find a replacement, at least I’m covered there. Now if only the file format had a translator!