If you get MC7 just be sure it has all the instruments and samples that come with the Cakewalk version.....and yes, Home Studio is the Cakewalk replacement for it. It has the instruments but I didn't see the Cakewalk Sound center synth.... one of my favorite synths due to the samples in it.

Just checked and MC7 from PG appears to be the real complete deal. Comes with all the instruments and CWSC synth and 150 instrument samples. Well worth the $50. Oh yeah, also has TTS. I stopped using TTS when I found out that samples sound better and can be triggered just as easily with midi.

Many of us here use a DAW as the crucial final part of working on our songs. While you may not want it for a DAW now, you will likely discover the versatility of using a DAW at some point.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.