Bootstrap Sequencing for MIDI Controllers / Keyboards (and More ...)

This could've been posted in the Hardware section, but it's as much of a Technique as anything else.  Bonus points for anyone who spots the irony with the MIDI controller / sequencer combination in the image below:
 

 
How To:
 

• Plug MIDI Out of the keyboard or MIDI controller device to the MIDI In of 8 Step Program.
• Plug the Expression Pedal Out of 8 Step Program back to the Expression Pedal In of your MIDI controller / KB.
• Use controller's program changes, clock, and CC messages to command 8 Step Program sequencing.
• Send that back to the controller for sequenced control over parameters, or for routing to DAW, sound module, FX, etc.

 
Yes, you can do this in a limited sense with software:  Cakewalk's Step Sequencer, or - for more control - something like Sugar Bytes' Thesys.  And you can do much of this in hardware - for a price: Doepfer MAQ16/3.  Most hardware sequencers focus on MIDI Notes; not so much on MIDI CC messages.
 
The beauty here is in adding self-contained sequencing of most any parameter within a hardware synthesizer / workstation itself, or split out from a MIDI controller to a DAW program or VST standalone.  It's versatile enough to cover most newer pedal 'stompboxes' or rack effects.  (I bought an 8 Step Program for my guitar pedalboard, but experimentation led me to insert it in synths, MIDI router, FX, ... anything with a MIDI Out and/or expression input.)
 
The catch?  You may need a MIDI / USB connection, multiple MIDI Outs, a MIDI Thru somewhere, or a MIDI Splitter of some kind.  One MIDI signal goes to the 8 Step Program, and one to software.  Hardware-only can get by with a single MIDI DIN.  And a single MIDI DIN cable.  The 1/4" TRS cable is included, and you can use a plain ol' 1/4" TS cable for CV.
 
There is an amazing advantage to this setup.  Every parameter of the 8 Step Program is controllable over MIDI.  Preset cue, save & load, each step value, every step modifier ... everything.  Check out pages 21-23 of the manual for a glimpse of the vast configurability.  The eight sequencing steps can be modified in 'real-time' to produce results that sound like much, much longer sequences.
 
What's it good for?  Well, the first thing I tried was sequencing the DSP distortions in Rapture.  Then I moved on to another full-featured Mod Matrix in an Alesis Ion virtual analog for filter swapping.  After that, I added MIDI 'sync' to an ancient SCI Six-Trak.  And sequenced delay times and harmonies in an Eventide PitchFactor.  And then ... you get the idea.