John
It seems the OP is preaching to the choir. Its good to read these kinds of threads from time to time. Though, Sonar Platinum is 20% to 40% better then Professional. 
There are a few heretics around but they will likely just dismiss the initial post.
While Cakewalk was not my first midi software (Dr T's being the first), I find Sonar to be the most powerful and easiest to use these days.