Yes, I use soft synths and hard synths.  The hard synths have instrument definitions.
 
I work about 90% in MIDI.

Longtime MIDI user here. Soft synths are convenient - I use plenty - but still can't replace a Moog. Not yet anyways.

And when it comes to controllers, I'm still using MIDI gear from the 80s while so many modern USB equivalents have been junked prematurely, simply because their manufacturers didn't want to supply updated drivers anymore. NI Kore and NI Rig Kontrol jump to mind but aren't alone. We need MIDI 2.0 fast.

I use MIDI almost exclusively - never liked loops, etc.  I use softsynths, mainly SampleTank, Halion 2, Addictive Drums pretty well all the time for sounds, so my Roland Fantom X is pretty well retired now.

Yes. I'm using a 16 year-old Yamaha and I've had the ID for it since upgrading () to SONAR Home Studio 6 XL 10 years ago.

WX5 Midi Sax for keys and monosynths, Korg Nanopad for Addictives drums and percussion. I got the Nano keys recently, but not really used it, though I think it will suit chomophone well. I also don't use loops, none are installed. Though I loop my own real instruments,

when you use MIDI also to control external FX, video show control, digi mixer scenes & snippets, lights, etc. there is no way around instrument definition files otherwise the setup will either drive you nuts or never work (or both)

Instrument definitions for all my outboard gear (Roland D50, JV80, various Korgs). Sometimes software can be found to create a .ins from whatever is in the gear. Instrument definitions become less useful though when custom editing sounds in the outboard synths.