I've been looking at the first 3 updates on Platinum and I count 3 features that are unique. Vocal sync, Vocal sync filter and goldtop expansion. I don't use any of them and I'm thinking when my membership is up I'll renew at the professional level instead of Platinum.
 
Anyone else thinking along these lines, just curious.

Nope. I'm of the opinion that
 
1. Platinum is probably tested more than the downgraded versions
2. What I don't need today I may need tomorrow.
3. Everyone thinks I'm a fanboy, I don't want to spoil the party

I'll also very likely stay with Platinum......even if I don't use all the goodies that come with it, I like to know they're available when/if need. Also, I don't think the pricing is too much of a difference. 
Some of the stuff that Craig's been working on has turned out to be very useful (especially the amp Fx), and I like the idea of getting these "gifts".....(good gifts) every month.

 
 
I have to be honest, I've been rather underwhelmed and a little disappointed with Platinum so far.
 
The loops and amp sims may well be of great use to some, but I doubt I'll ever use them.
 
ReMatrix Solo and the Custom Control Bar are very nice, but they're not worth $150 to me I'm afraid.
 
Mind you, I wonder if the 'dribs and drabs' monthly method of delivering the product might actually be having a diluting effect on the wow factor we've become accustomed to with yearly-ish upgrades? It could feasibly be argued that even if we were to actually end up receiving 'more' SONAR via twelve monthly instalments than we might have got in a single yearly hit, psychologically it doesn't really feel like it.
 
All the same, I'm still hopeful that a few tasty titbits will arrive along the way. After all, that's exactly how they touted the new monthly membership model.

I get the impression that SPlat is undergoing a growth in programming personnel. I think the Bakers are trying to beef up the three main aspects that make up SONAR.
 
1. Stability
2. Membership gifts (Anderton etc)
3. Features (Control Bar, the Drum Replacer, Vocal Sync etc)
 
The above list does not and should not include the likes of 3rd party plugs like AD2. These are "marketing" enhancements.
 
Having had to hire programming staff myself in the past I can say that ramp up time can be long (not 30, 60 or 90 days but more like 6-9 months) and productivity can be low during said ramp up.
 
That said I'm not more or less underwhelmed than any other version transition. 
 
Straummy makes a good point. When handed four or five major features at once can be "exciting". Getting those major enhancement over 12 months might well seem like "oh, here's something to look at, or not. ho-hum.".
 

Up to X3 I've always thought that Producer edition was easily worth the extra. This time I haven't upgraded at all as I've yet to see anything that makes me think I want it. When it was announced a years payment was billed as like getting X4 and X5 rolled into one. To date I'd call it X3.5. I can only assume that they're holding back some more worthwhile stuff for towards the end of the first year so that people who bought into the concept of a rolling version will keep the faith. I really want to want it, but I just don't.

bitflipper and Jaymes are still on 8.x. 
 
Shows there is no reason to blindly upgrade (like the rest of us lemmings).

bapu
bitflipper and Jaymes are still on 8.x. 
 
Shows there is no reason to blindly upgrade (like the rest of us lemmings).

If it hadn't been for melodyne ARA, I would probably still be on 8.53 PE too, though I will admit that the track view does look a bit clunky now.

paulo
 though I will admit that the track view does look a bit clunky now.

Am I to assume you mean 8.5.3's track view?

bapu

paulo
 though I will admit that the track view does look a bit clunky now.

Am I to assume you mean 8.5.3's track view?

You am.