I cut my teeth on hardware and only moved to software in 2007.
 
I downloaded & tried Cubase but could not make sense of it whatsoever.
Eventually after a lot of research I settled for SONAR, not least because of the existence of this forum.

Bristol_Jonesey
 
I downloaded & tried Cubase but could not make sense of it whatsoever.

Like jumping off the Clifton suspension bridge!
IMHO Cubase is for people who complain about Sonar's staff view limitations. It is good for composers with music theory qualifications far above mine. I am primarily a technician that can play a number of instruments well enough to have respected ideas about how arrangements can be enhanced, which is why people pay me.
Ask me to notate it and I am an empty keg of beer
:)

I've used  Sony Sound Forge 8, Pro Tools 7 if I remember correctly,  Cakewalk Home studio, Cakewalk Project P5 v2.5 I loved this DAW (I wished Cakewalk would have done more with it), Reason and Digital Performer.
 
My Favorite was always  Sonar, so I stuck with it and I'm still with it now

Cut my teeth on Cakewalk since version 2.  Studio One 3.  Different tools entirely...
 
I reach for Platinum first - its fast, its efficient, I just know it and it doesn't fail.  80% of my work is on Platinum, using a MOTU AVB interface.
 
If its live, many inputs and mics,  I use Studio One.  I have a CS18ai, RM32ai (love them for the price \ performance) and a nice touch screen.   The entire system is homogeneous and its FAST to setup and use.  95% of the use time in a live environment is mic placement, and input patching from other systems.  I have many input \ output assignment configurations.  I usually dial one up, and I am good to go with track assignments. Its no where good as templates, but takes care of a ton of basic setup.
 
I have learned a bit of Pro Tools to keep up to date with other writing partners.   Learning is a joy to me - however, remembering is the tough part..   :o)
 
Lance

Sonar was my first computer based recording program.  Before that I was using a Fostex VF160.
I tried Pro Tools (MP9) as most of my counterparts in Nashville use ProTools.  I just couldn't get into it.  I have Presonus Studio One 3, as I got it free with a Presonus hardware purchase.  It doesn't get used either. 
 
Sonar does everything I want to do (and much more). 
 
 

I've uses Pro tools. could never get it to sound as good as Sonar.

I say all daws should have a vst version so we don't gave to decide :) Like how I run FL Studio in sonar so I get best of both :D
 
 
Started with ableton years ago
Droped ableton like a bad habit once I demoed FL Studio,Still use FL
demo studio one and Cubase when I found myself limited within FL for audio editing then one day while trying to decide I found a copy of cakewalk 8 in a box in my closet installed it loved it now I bounce back and forth or use them together

LLyons
Learning is a joy to me - however, remembering is the tough part..   :o)
 
Lance

In some ways (this), we are the same

Really old Fruity Loops-didn't click with it
Acid-fun for looping play, toy-like, didn't like doing audio on it
Harrison Mixbus-Loved it, but way too unstable. Had to scrap it.
Ableton- Ok, but not a keeper for me
Cakewalk Guitar Tracks 2,3. pro-Loved all of the versions of guitar tracks, and am saddened that they are not a part of the current line-up.
Pro Tools-Was very unstable on windows when I tried it for my personal use. I occasionally use it at a friend's place as he considers it and Macs to be the only tools capable of creating professional results. Over the years i have especially disliked Pro Tools' proprietary business model.
Sonar X1, Artist, Professional, Platinum-I currently use Platinum regularly and like it. It has been mostly stable for me with the occasional odd problem with an update.
Reaper-seemed really messy. Didn't like it.
Mixcraft 6,7-I am currently a Beta-tester for 8. Really like this program. Simple interface, easy learning curve, and gets more powerful with each version without sacrificing ease of use or making the interface fussy looking. Easy on cpu usage. (this program will still run on XP.) My only gripe is that more emphasis goes into loop content and virtual instruments than audio.

Started with Cakewalk back in the late 80's....then tape only for awhile....then made the jump back into Cakewalk with Pro Audio 9....used that for several years....then Sonar 8.5, X3 and now Platinum.
 
I also own and occasionally play around with Reaper...which I like, but I'm just more used to the way Cakewalk/Sonar works that I tend to always gravitate to it.
 
I did use another one too...back in the late 90's/very early 2000's...but can't even remember what it was....so it didn't leave a major impression on me, I guess.