It occurred to me yesterday that Sonar basically offers 4 different levels of 'preset', each more granular than the first:

1. Project templates
2. Track templates
3. FX Chains
4. FX Presets

I used to use project templates a lot, and tried to use FX presets (although the interface for naming and saving them always felt a bit clunky). But then I found that I wanted to use track templates more than project templates so that I could mix and match pre-configured instruments more easily - e.g. re-use the drum signal flow and plugins from the last album on my new recordings, or to quickly insert 2 tracks of identical rhythm guitars panned left and right.
 
Unfortunately track templates seem to have a few bugs, but the FX chains are a handy compromise for someone like me, who has a bunch of individually configured VSTs on almost every track. I may have to add the tracks manually, but being able to replace hand-crafted FX bins with FX Chains means it's rarely a chore. This also makes life easier when I'm in the final stages of tracking and/or the early stages of mixing (both the same thing to me, basically) and I'm looking to standardise the sound across several songs - I pick the one I like best, save the FX chain as a preset, then load that in to the other project. Much easier than using a track template and trying to move clips over.
 
So, I just thought this was interesting, and wondered if anybody else had any thoughts on it, whether they prefer one type over the other, etc.

Track templates can be a little flakey sometimes Kylotan. Up until monthly updates I found it was best to create new ones with each new release to avoid problems. I have them set up for most of my go-to synths as I still find them the fastest way to get up and running. I tend to use Project templates a lot less for this reason. Much more flexible to just decide as you go.
 
FX chains are great -   by far the quickest way to get your fav fx presets into a track as a starting point, though I tend to unpack them as soon as I import them. Sure beats loading fx and then recalling individual presets!
 
I am amazed now at how fast things happen in Sonar. Gone are the days of long waits for track creation and loading instruments.

Kylotan
So, I just thought this was interesting, and wondered if anybody else had any thoughts on it, whether they prefer one type over the other, etc.

thought? i wonder if they're actually related entities, like your granularity implies, or are completely separately developed "objects" that have evolved toward each other?

It's probably obvious I'm a huge fan of FX Chains. I use fairly basic track templates for tracking - guitar input, mic input, keyboards input, etc.