But it seems like Cake is at least still working on synths.  That is good news.

Agreed.  I'd like to see a return to innovation and creativity.  It'd be unfair to call the last few years a recycling period, but there were some squandered opportunities along the way (my opinion).
 
I'm certainly not the most savvy businessman in this kind of economic climate.  I'd be thrilled, though, with sensing a clear direction forward.

paulo
I'd do it in a heartbeat and move to Boston, but I fall short on one of the job criteria....
 

Colonel Mustard...in the Library...with a candlestick!!!

b rock
 
Agreed.  I'd like to see a return to innovation and creativity.  It'd be unfair to call the last few years a recycling period, but there were some squandered opportunities along the way (my opinion).
 

What disappoints me the most is that Cakewalk might have convinced Roland to let them resurrect the D50 as a virtual instrument when they had the opportunity.  That will probably never happen now.  Such a shame ... and I suspect Korg has been having a nice ROI on its M1 and Wavestation software.

... Cakewalk might have convinced Roland to let them resurrect the D50 as a virtual instrument when they had the opportunity.

 
And here I thought that was an idea that *I* may like, but might not have a broad appeal among the undercurrents of me-too synths and Presets 'R' Us.  I've experimented with emulations of the SCI Six Trak, Poly 800, and Synthi Hi-Fli, for example.  And that's strictly due to their quirky natures and off-the-beaten-path sound results.
 
I want to thank you for the hidden inspiration in that comment.  In the past, I've mapped out several ways to simulate L/A synthesis in Rapture (perhaps Dimension Pro, as well).  Not as a VST, but a great direction to pursue as an expansion pack.
 
It would be much easier with an actual hardware D50 to A/B to, or sample outright.  But not impossible, and it certainly wouldn't have to be limited to the exact original architecture and set of "partials".

b rock
In the past, I've mapped out several ways to simulate L/A synthesis in Rapture (perhaps Dimension Pro, as well).  Not as a VST, but a great direction to pursue as an expansion pack.

Put me down as the first customer! 

So now that emulations of Roland products are off the table, I wonder what Gibson owns that might become a virtual instrument. A virtual Les Paul, perhaps? Nah, probably not. They've never been a synthesizer company, but they do own Wurlitzer and Baldwin.

How about a knock your socks off, never been done this good Wurly emulation?  Sure, there's a gazillion of them out there but if Gibson owns it . . . . . .
I have to say, I love my Wurlitzer Electronic Piano (the real one) but it is so limited. Oh, and heavy! 
 
Brian

I wonder what Gibson owns that might become a virtual instrument.

How about some faithful reproductions of the classic & rare Maestro effects line?  Hire Tom Oberheim as a consultant.
 

They've never been a synthesizer company

I think anyone still left from the dark period of Moog's history would attest to that.