First, although the OP was misguided, the position taken isn't all that crazy or paranoid. We've been screwed by software vendors before. Any Alchemy users here? Kjaerhus? Folks forced to migrate to Windows 10 so they could use some instrument? Pre-Mackie Tracktion users? It's a fast-moving market. Sometimes, users get burned. Often enough that it can make you skeptical, especially for deals that seem too good to be true.
 
Second, I commend responders for offering thought-out, rational rebuttals and observations. This isn't the contentious, fact-free arena that this forum once was. That's been a pleasant shift.
 
To the OP:
No, Cakewalk isn't just oriented toward performers. In fact, it's often been accused of just the opposite.
 
It tries to be all things to all people, so yes, sometimes that means specific segments don't see progress at as fast a pace as they'd like. It means you'll often see a new feature and think "that's not for me". That doesn't mean the platform is moving away from you, just that it's broadening its base.
 
 

Some people just can't be happy unless they have something to be unhappy about.

djwolf
 
 
I am a composer who once played cello in our local symphony orchestra.  I used a piano for tuning and can play a few legato chords but due to the complexity of what I compose now using a keyboard is a waste of time - inputting each note using piano roll or score sheet is quicker.  In other words, I'm working with MIDI to realize my compositions.  I have spent thousands on Spitfire Audio Libraries.  I work alone.  I don't need to record anything, send anything or share anything.

Maybe Sibelius, Finale or even Notion or Dorico is a better choice for you. . . . 
 
cheers :)

I have been burned by software over the years.  I always had to pay more for the new product.  CbB is the first product that was less money than the predecessor.  
 
Holy Cow.  *insert your own smart remark here*  Money for nothing and so on.

SONAR and CxB are certainly great tools, but reading what you're doing makes me think maybe a DAW isn't the best choice for you.
 
I've heard some incredible orchestrations from people using notation software w/VSTi
 

BobF
SONAR and CxB are certainly great tools, but reading what you're doing makes me think maybe a DAW isn't the best choice for you.
 
I've heard some incredible orchestrations from people using notation software w/VSTi
 

Finale is just about to release version 26 which has some very interesting tools. 

 Maybe Sibelius, Finale or even Notion or Dorico is a better choice for you. . . . 
 
cheers :)
 
This is what I was thinking.  CbB is good at lots of things that perhaps you don't need as much.

fitzj
What a silly posting. 

I saw the OP right before bed, read it twice, then went to bed with pretty much this reaction.

As the OP bought SPLAT "9 months ago" that would imply was the last lifetime offer sale. At that time there was pretty much NO SONAR customer support, so the expectation of such was totally misinformed. CbB actually has more support AFAICT, and began with the last, unreleased version of SPLAT. As stated repeatedly above, CbB is the (free) continuation of SPLAT and will readily use everything you installed with SPLAT.

As to how it is used is in your court. Many third party plugins will fill certain gaps, but notation is not a strong point and may never be. There are both 3rd party apps as well as other DAWs which can do better. In this regard, I was exposed to Notion during the SONAR debacle and pleasantly surprised it can be used as a standalone DAW (VSTi host) as well. These options are also mentioned above.

Yep. A DAW is for recording music. The better tool for WRITING it is a notation program. Especially for orchestral stuff.

Cakewalk IS a great tool for classically-oriented composers. I use it and have found it by far the best DAW for that purpose. Check my profile for my website, which has music composed with Cakewalk for examples of what it can do for composers.
 
No, you don't need notation software, except for a score. But the sound will be terrible. Cakewalk has a great score editor, meant to be a working tool, not professional notation software. I make my music in Cakewalk, because the tools are great. The feedback of good sound is extremely helpful for feedback as I compose and orchestrate. I then export to Notion to produce a score.
 
There is no single software with the great sound of a DAW, and the great score production of notation software. Maybe someday, but not yet. For now, Cakewalk and notation software is the best solution.