Bob:

For me, your statement here -

"a little extra work and investigation will open up a huge sonic arsenal that broadens their musical horizons"

is a stumbling block for me. I don't use BIAB for recording, so there's no need for my musical horizon to be broadened and the little extra work (easy for you, difficult for me) isn't worth the bother.

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record on the Forums these days regarding Playable Real Tracks,
but wouldn't they give you much the same functionality and sound quality as a MIDI track and samples?
Couldn't you still get "exactly the notes and timing" you want without having to go "hunting around for samples"?

Just asking.
LLOYD S