I'm hoping for a number of new improvements, reliability etc. I've had very good experience with X3e Producer,
and my audio recording results have been wonderful. Possibly new tools for stereo spectrum analyzing, Mix & Master help. I've looked over the Platinum Version, and I seem to have everything (and many other VST's etc.) And if I already have Addictive Drums 2 all of the "Midi-Paks / Kit-Paks / Ad-Paks? I'm hoping for more than the looks to change and a couple of additions?

I actually cam empathize with your reasoning, but that's why it is good that Cakewalk have Sonar Professional at such a reasonable price. I must admit that $199 seems pretty reasonable to experience and participate in the Cakewalk paradigm that is Sonar. I just hope they always put a priority on getting stability sorted. Nothing worse than bugs, it sends me over the edge when i run into bugs that hinder what i'm trying to achieve at any given time.