tlw
My conclusion is that it basically doesn't offer any advantages at all. Why have, for example, the console view presented on a touch-screen controller application (plus iLok) when you can display the console view on a touch screen for less money and have better future-proofing with iLok and no third party controller application involved?

That is an "independent" interface. A kind of alternative theme, where you can change not only colors but also elements placement, appearances,  behavior. So they have made own versions of several DAWs interfaces.
 
In respect to Sonar, technically speaking that is AZ Controller + Lemur on a big display. But making usable configuration is separate, time consuming job. Like you take some game engine and existing rules and try to make your own game. It is wrong to underestimate what they have done to make it running. But from what I see in the Internet, best people they have are working in the marketing team: it does not matter someone use it, they have paid for it and so the mission is accomplished. Just imagine you will see Sonar in every studio (may be not in use), that will change "ALL major DAWS" definition (also on Raven page) 

For what it is worth, a major studio (Pro Tools) I use had one for a while.  The engineer got rid of it for a physical controller.  When I watched him work he didn't use it that much.  Not much more than I do with my touchscreen for SONAR - many tasked still seemed better suited for the keyboard or mouse.  As said above, touch, which seems so natural, is actually not a natural solution to many tasks and takes a lot of programming to figure out how best to use it.  Then you have to re-train users to do tasks another way.  How do you do a natural, mouse like double-click on a touch screen.  It takes me a couple of times just to open SONAR via touch - first the icon does a check, then you can double-click.
 
In defense, Slate talks about touch speed and response, the software overlay, etc.  I'm sure there are people that love it and my engineer friend kept his for over a year, so it isn't a useless investment.  It is just that I'd prefer on off-the-shelf $500 27-inch touch and save the extra cash.