Bristol_Jonesey
Don't forget, all these VST's & VSTi's have output level controls so you can easily lower these in order to gain more on your faders.

that is a pretty good idea.
Im going to try that as a test to check the signal ratios between gaining and output, faders, exc.

One technique I find helpful is before I start mixing is lowering all tracks volume to inf. I then bring each one up while listening. When all the tracks are up some and all are providing signal I then adjust for balance. This means I hear each track first as a solo sort of. Its this stage I start finding reasons to employ various plugins. Compression on some EQ on others and so on. I will use the PC for most of this. Also I use sub buses. I group like tracks to a sub buss. Its rare for me to touch the trim. 
 
When one has a CS to help with fader control it becomes a lot easier. I don't worry about what the faders end up being at in reference to the others.
 
I reread the whole thread and I stick by what I said in it.