Arpeggiator
 Beatscape 
 CD Burner 
Cyclone
Dreamstation
 Loop view 
 Publisher
RXP
SFZ
Staff View
Surround bus
   TTS-1 Synth 
Track Layer solo/mute
CAL language
File / Print
 Import Audio CD 
Navigator
Surround panner
Insert Bank/Patch change
 Insert series of controllers 
Process / Fit Improvisation
Set Default Groove Clip Pitch
 Set Measure Beat At Now
 

I've never used surround sound or Matrix View.  Although I don't want either to be removed or dropped from the update list, they are obviously good for some people. (and maybe me someday)

Beatscape has some really great samples.  Even if you do not like the player/sampler, the actual audio samples are very useful.  I have used them in many tracks.  Snares/Kicks/Percussion elements can all be layered with samples in the production phase.

Honestly, I don't see a point to this thread. except one mans opinion and recording habits.  I do not think the clouds will part and we will see a clear pattern of all Sonar users, from this thread.  If you are diverse in the types of music you create, it's likely you will find a use for many or most, of the included synths and plugs within Sonar. 

Dim Pro and Rapture are both very good synths.  Heck, even if you are a simple blues player, try out the Organ and Piano samples in DP, they are very useable.   There are things in Sonar I do not touch more than once a year, but when I need it, I am sure glad it's there.

If people took the time to really get to know the included synths and plug ins within Sonar, they may save themselves alot of money buying extra plug ins and synths.  If approached with an open mind, with the thought of "how can I make use of this in my music" you might come up with alot of creative ideas of using things like the arppegiator, Beatscape samples or any of the other included samples.  You might actually find your productions get better and better the more you take the time to learn the various tools you paid for.  Eventually you might say, "dang I can't believe I've had this on my computer for 5 years and never opened it once!"

There really isn't much on the list above that I *haven't* used in some project(s) over the years.   So everything is fine just where it is in my book, even if I haven't used a certain feature for a while (Beatscape, Matrix, etc).   Other things like the Step Sequencer, AudioSnap and the newer synths are things I use more often these days.
 
But even with the older stuff, I figure that if I liked using these things at one time, I just might do so again.  Just ask all those projects I have with 32bit DX plugins that I can no longer use. 
 
 
 
 
PS.... I know, I know, install the 32bit version.  I just can't get myself to do it.  

Lynn, I've borrowed heavily from your post to express my similar sentiment.  Hope you don't mind.
 
"Some of the things on people's lists I haven't used much either; others I use all the time. However, I don't want the ones I hardly or (up to now) have never used to go away.  I like the variety & flexibility of features available. Often, I'm in the mood to experiment, and I want the option of using some of these features.  Also, I'm still learning and just because I don't use a feature now doesn't mean I will never use it.  Even tho it hasn't performed flawlessly for me, I, too, like the Matrix function to be able to experiment with alternate arrangements. Some of the older synths still have their uses even if they aren't supported anymore. It's interesting to see what people use and don't use, but I hope this doesn't lead to a movement to take features out of Sonar just because some forum members don't use these features. Better to make them work as advertised."
 
HeyDan

The funny thing about music production, in particular software such as Sonar, Reaktor, Max, Cubase, and the like; is the lifetime it takes to barely scratch the surface of the possibilities they offer.

I can't use every feature at once, but I can try to use every feature at least once.

I have only just started to use the split function in a way that is very conducive to my workflow.

Also groove clipping highlighting is a feature I use alot now. Other features I have now learnt to use simply because X1 functions better now.

e.g. Split every measure. Fantastic highlight and roll them out. PRV I use this to edit drums. It has taken me along time to get used to these ways of working simply because of the DAW I used to use flowed so effortlessly. Now I am getting that same vibe again (simply because X1d works better)

I use a softsynth when I feel its needed...within specific songs that I produce an instrument from whatever synth can be adequate even if its the weakest synth. Can still sound great in whatever song.

Thats why its a good idea to have extras at hand even tho you have never used them.

At some point they may be the golden nugget which was covered in dust. So yes TTs - 1 can be used and sounds create atmoshpere. So I dont really care if to the naked ear it sounds rubbish. In a song it may be what Doctor Sonar ordered. Nothing is to be taken lightly when creating!

I guess that is the secret. oh well not a secret now!

I can't use every feature at once, but I can try to use every feature at least once.

 
I like that.   

I never use:
Matrix
Beatscape
Publisher
Staff view (Notation)
Navigator
V-Vocal (I use  Melodyne)
Lyrics View
 
TS64 Trasient shaper- useless with that crazy high latency? What are Cakewalk thinking? Wish for a new Zero latency version
LP64 EQ64 to much high latency to be to any use… Wish for a new Zero latency version
LP64 Multiband 64 to much  high latency to be to any use… Wish for a new Zero latency version
Boost 11 64 –Sounds crap! Drop it!
 
None of the OLD Cakewalk VST Instruments like Dreamstaion, Cyclone and so on or any included x32bit plugins. 
  
 
I use everyday: ACT, Tracks view, Console View, Pro Channel, ALT Scroll-ZOOM, Ctrl Scroll-Navigation, Pause button, Step forward and backward to next measurement, Loop, Set loop to selection, Screensets, PX Percussion Strip, Channels Tools, Big Time,  MIDI Channels,  Audio Channels, Bus Channels, Sends, Reverse Audio, automation, Piano view, Quantize, Input Quantize, Inspector View, Browser dock right view, + Dock view, ”d” + Shift +”d”, plugin manager, Info inspector… and many other functions…

What happened to the punch in punch out lol totally ridiculoous that was. Press record record over part. Thats, that!