BobF
An FR referring to another DAW for details isn't likely to go far. The more details you provide here, the better folks can understand and potentially support your request.
You have a good point there. Most people, however, will have experience with it. It's that common and has been around for quite a long time. But acknowledging your point, here it is, just in case:
1. Set "recording pre-roll" amount in preferences (say, 2 bars or whatever length is desired). This is done once (unless you want to change it at some point)
Actual use is like this:
1. Place playhead at punch-in point (anywhere in the song). Hit "Record".
That's it. The song stars playing the "pre-roll" length (2 bars in the example)
before the playhead's position. Recording starts automatically at the exact playhead position.
A real accurate, fast and reliable way to record and perform punch ins. Much faster than anything offered by Sonar today - that's why all other major DAWs (that I know of) have it. Hopefully the Cakewalk folks are listening.