Robh,
I very much agree with you. Some of the new RealTracks in the 2013 version are really awesome...not to take away anything from earlier versions. I am really serious when I speak about the quality of the music that can be made using RealBand in conjunction with my other "stuff". I've had many people upon hearing a CD that I've put together in my little home studio ask, "Where did you get that recorded at?".
I could not have imagined before RealBand the professional quality music that can recorded in a small studio.
Now it does take some work and you are always learning something new...but can it be work if you're fooling with music!!
As I read posts from some of you old veterans, I can't help but be a little envious of the knowledge y'all have of this program.

J M Knight