After reading your original post, I dusted off my Roland SC-88 Pro and played a few midi files and then some BIAB files through it.
I would have to agree that it is miles ahead of Cakewalks TTS-1, Forte or any other virtual GM synth. I started out with a SB-55/SC-55 combination, moved up to a laptop/SC-55 and then to a Laptop/SC-8 Pro.
The SC-88 is now about 17 years old and is still in the same condition I bought it and is still playing strong. Still have the original box and packaging.
Cheers
Kevin