Hands down, for me, automation.  I even wrote up a feature request (shameless plug).  After that, man, yes, drum maps are long overdue.

Maybe fix some of the most basic areas of the program that are practically unusable, such as
http://forum.cakewalk.com...fix-this-m3166007.aspx

Mystic38
although not automatic, it is straightforward to place markers with chord names on the ruler..

That's exactly what I do; works just fine.

cparmerlee
Maybe fix some of the most basic areas of the program that are practically unusable, such as
http://forum.cakewalk.com...fix-this-m3166007.aspx

and http://forum.cakewalk.com/These-are-very-basic-operations-and-the-bugs-should-be-fixed-m3369480.aspx
and http://forum.cakewalk.com/CWBRN46658-Deleting-UAD-plugin-from-FXBin-causes-Sonar-hang-Lexington-Manchester-m3343277.aspx
and http://forum.cakewalk.com/SelectingFocus-My-Pain-m3333681.aspx
and http://forum.cakewalk.com/CWBRN34517-ProChannel-EQ-Bus-Automation-Bug-Quick-Group-bug-m3266547.aspx
and more...

what I really want for Christmas is....
 
A way to export Markers in a midi file.
Markers are too bound to projects right now.
you send someone your project files and there is no way for them to know your layout.
 
right now I send a midi track with whole notes where my changes take place,
along with a text file.
 
 

This thread is starting to look a bit like the Feature Request section of the forum.

That said, and keeping to the topic of upgrading archaic main features, the Console View could greatly benefit from collapsible, hide/reveal tracks into folders. It's one of the feature requests with a lot of traction.

I was hoping to see that as one of the initiatives for this year. One can hope.

chuckebaby
what I really want for Christmas is....
 
A way to export Markers in a midi file.
Markers are too bound to projects right now.
you send someone your project files and there is no way for them to know your layout.
 
right now I send a midi track with whole notes where my changes take place,
along with a text file.

Have you tried "File"/"Save as..." MIDI file? That creates mid files with markers...

CSW
To be able to delete a send in 2 clicks without having to go into the drop down and select delete would be great
 

 CSW:  It's already there -- just LEFT click on the send in track view and a little menu pops up with "Reassign send" or "Delete send."  Two clicks.  Your wish is fulfilled.

Big +1 on ACT. Honestly, Sonar should have templates for all major controllers released in the last 5 years. Every other DAW I've tried has recognized all of the controls on my MPK61 right out of the box.

Hardly a feature request list from my perspective.  While some of the things in this thread may look like that, a lot are just bringing old features into the new layouts and skins.  I did some Drum Map videos in version 5, and I think they look strangely similar to how they looked in V5.  That was what, 10 years ago?  Seems like the drum maps, and anything else that uses that same ilk of interface elements, should be updated. 
 
I'd be happy to replace my old drum map video with one that reflects the Platinum interface.
 
I'm going to take a look at this and see if it's worth an update of my instructional video yet....