Sonar is still available and they (Bandlab) are still keeping it updated. They have a subscription model but I have the off line version on my machine. It seems to work well.

I tried Real Band way back in the early years just to see what it could do. It's a basic DAW that will get the job done.

If I recall, the one thing it didn't do at that time was Busses and something about the way it handled some plugins was not to my liking. In addition, using envelopes was kind of cumbersome and as a result I used it solely to create the additional tracks I was seeking for the styles that didn't have the extra instruments in them that I wanted to use in my songs. With the advent of the plugin version of BB, there's actually no longer any need to use Real Band at all. At least that's been my experience. Using the plugin now is easier and eliminates a step or two in the process for me.

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.