GlennP
So what to do? My own business motto comes to mind.
Q. How do you sell somebody something?
A. Find out what they want and sell it to them!
I certainly understand your sentiment, but keep in mind that X1/2 have pleased many (I am not one of those but I respect what it is to others). Many users use a subset pf features available in the program and were always confused/turned off by the default mess that was Sonar interface in 8.5.3 and before, and perhaps never realized what a streamlined powerhouse it could become when customized. They simply wanted something very simplified for basic tracking, and who can blame them? Users with basic needs will also be
much more willing to accept the mass of bugs that Sonar has had the last few rollouts (most DAWs are this way in this over competitive market) since if you don't use features like layers, etc. you won't find the biggest problems.
Bottom line is Cakewalk
did listen to their market and "cleaned up" the interface. I think they destroyed it personally - I can still run circles around slow X1/2 with my custom menus and custom toolbars from Sonar 8.5.3, or using the custom mouse settings (smart tool), browser, tabview(multidock), layers(lanes), synth rack controls (FX chains almost) etc. that ALL were already there before X1 in one form or another.
The X series and Skylight is so far a rebranding and rebuild of old features with a couple minor new ones. It IS arguably easier to use without any effort out of the box. Its friendlier. More is defined for you and locked in place. Its sexier and packed with whiz bang plugins like Broverb and Pro this and Pro that. Like it or not, its the future for Cakewalk - its what the market wanted. People are digging it, and if it works for them then good for them and Cakewalk.
I can agree that I would like a dialog for those of us who feel the change of approach at Cakewalk is not the right one, but I see Cakewalk increasing fast rollouts with half baked features and more plugins because its what people want. it just kind of is what it is and as long as the core majority is happy all I can do is deal with it.