Ray,
Thanks for the video links. I keep track on advancements that I am looking for in Reaper (and other DAWs). Yes, Reaper's take lanes getting better, but still not there yet. I've actually had a conversation with a few Reaper die hards very recently about these. Good thing that there are so many good options!

If I had a chance to cook a DAW today, I would get: workflow and touch ability of Cakewalk, features of Cubase, flexibility of Reaper and Piano Roll and midi handling of FL Studio at Mixcraft price point.

P.S. To my surprise, FL Studio made some incredible advances. Definitely not what it used to be. Check it out Billy, maybe it will move you.