I still use all my mic pre amps, tube pre amps.
no matter how great the tube sims are getting, they still have not caught up to the real deal yet.
they are close, but not that close.
still use compression to tame guitar, bass, vox tracks as well, not much but enough to get a good signal.
start with a good signal, you start right.

Soundcard ---> Software for me for everything, all my guitar amps/fx are collecting dust at the minute

I still own a KorgX5DR sound module.  I love the strings and the various horns and I have a Yamaha PSS 795 AWM.  I can't seem to emulate these sounds and once I get them in the box, add some FX, it's on.

In my case I am happy to use algorithm-type software for synths and reverb/delay.  I use sampled sounds for keyboards and drums (Addictive Keys and Drums).  I do miss my old DX and ESQ-1 synths but don't really need them.
 
So far I  haven't found a software distortion or tube emulation to suit my taste so I use tube preamps/amps and analogue pedals (e.g. a Palmer Eins, Wampler Dual Fusion, Blackstar HT-Dual and Presonuus Studio Channel).  I did wonder if any of the newer tube emulation algorithms were significant improvements over those in Guitar Rig 4 and TH3 but I assume the newer stuff is a refinement and  things haven't changed that drastically. 
 
 
 
 
 
Cheers

I set out to keep it all in the box for portability's sake. I thought I could sample my outboard synths and replace the DSPs for Vsts. But I quickly found that some sounds can't be sampled correctly and others just didn't sound as good as the real deal. I also like using the synth as a controller so some of these units will remain.

All the listeners care about is the emotional impact of the music. The person controlling the gear is 1,000 times more important than the gear being controlled.
 
I know that's a facile answer and it may sound snarky, but that's not the intention. It's more of a plea for musicians not to be afraid to express their emotions, and to place little - if any - importance on the medium.

I use Hardware almost exclusively.  The Tyros has a fantastic library of really great sampled instruments. The Motif is a another synth with great sounds. Then there are there are the Guitars which are samples only if finger picked. 
 
Since building my new Rig last week, I will start using VST Softsynths and samplers. Already running my DTX Yamaha Electronic drums using the Motif samples. Anxious to try XLN.

I have GAS just like everybody.  I've been psycho analyzing myself and I think it might have to do with the fact that most of my instruments and musical things that were given to me were given as gifts  at christmas.  So I'm trying to relive those memories, the excitement and happiness.  Just a thought.  Also,musicians  tend toward obsessiveness (at least I do), so the obsessiveness of a new toy versus the pragmatism of saving the dough is a battle.  
 
Stop thinking and end your problems --lao tzu

Anderton
All the listeners care about is the emotional impact of the music. The person controlling the gear is 1,000 times more important than the gear being controlled.
 
I know that's a facile answer and it may sound snarky, but that's not the intention. It's more of a plea for musicians not to be afraid to express their emotions, and to place little - if any - importance on the medium.

Craig, I understand you are trying to inspire and have always found your advice to be top notch.  (e.g. I recently reread your article in Bass Player on compression.)  However, I must wholeheartedly support Schwa in his request for advice on the present state of the software and how it is used; especially after being away for a while.  I too had wondered what software and hardware configurations were in use these days and found the other posts quite interesting.
 
Cheers

Using more and more hardware these days, basically for everything that impacts performance (hardware synths, guitar & bass FX, mic & guit preamps, etc.) and forms the signal before it hits the box ...
 
ITB for everything once the signal is trapped in the box