The thing that originally attracted me to BB was in fact, the real tracks. I was growing weary of creating boring drum tracks by mousing then copy/paste. In addition the other instruments like steel guitar really had my attention.

That said.... Midi has come a long way from the cheesy sounding GM sounds of the 1990's to what we have today. I still find a purpose for using midi in some of my songs. Especially when I need a specific riff or part that there's no way a RT would ever create in a million tries.

With the modern sample libraries and synths available.... you can create some really amazing and realistic sounding parts with midi.

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.