Dan -

I think everyone will have their own "answer". It depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

I am a songwriter. First, foremost, always. I need a "piano player" who does the right thing for the song (the lyric and how it is sung, mainly). The MIDI Supertracks are an INCREDIBLE resource. I use them anytime there is one that fits - because I can use the piano VST of my choosing - which allows more control over the sound (compared to RTs). The RTs are incredible, too - but sometimes when they are "naked" there are "effects" in the recording that I would rather not be there. If there is a companion MIDI Supertrack, problem solved... I would guess that any new piano RealTracks will include a companion MST...

I am currently creating tracks for a new song. I started it in EZKeys. It is a SUPER songwriting tool. The basic library of piano phrases is really nice. (I would LOVE to have all the supplemental packs!). It allows some very nice variety for song construction. I built a piano track in EZKeys and exported the MIDI file... took that into BIAB and added all the other stuff... So, it is... one more tool. BUT... you have got to WANT to put that kind of effort into it - and have a reason to. I have that reason because as a songwriter, I sometimes want a certain "piano player style"... if I were doing backing tracks for guitar soloing (for instance...like eric (f.m.m) does, I would wonder if it was really necessary.... RealTrack pianos would be my choice there...

I'm rambling (as I am prone to do), so I'll stop now... I think the real question comes down to "what are you looking to accomplish" and what effort are you (reasonably) willing to expend...

150+ Songs produced using BIAB RealTracks
And 50 more...
and some more...