That is one long question... but I believe the answer comes down to how you use BIAB. I don't do what you describe of auditioning countless styles to see what sounds better or worse. My workflow in BIAB is short and simple. I use it for inspiration (combined with countless other inputs from my day). Once I have the initial inspiration for a groove or style I leave BIAB immediately and go to my DAW. I don't do what you describe of auditioning countless other styles to see what sounds better or worse. I leave that job up to what I can do with the initial inspiration in my DAW.

Now before you run off thinking I have discovered the miracle of music making. I am afraid I suffer from the same consequence you described :
Quote:
i often end up with 50 different styles and/or instruments/ nuggets etc i like , so i end up with 50 saved bb files from which i have to "cull the herd”.


I struggle fiercely with finishing a piece once it is moved into the DAW. But we all have our cross to bear in this life. crazy

BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, 1TB WD Black NVMe SSD, 2TB WDC Blue SSD, 1TB WD Blue, 2 TB SK NVMe, 6 TB External, Motu Audio Express 6x6