BobF wroteCPU is awesome in Reaper. Another thing I really like is the track is a track concept. Routing is beyond flexible for both audio and MIDI.

I invested quite a bit of time in Reaper as the SONAR days were coming to a close. Reaper is definitely powerful, and I didn't (still don't) need a bunch of VIs and FX bundled.

End of the day, I just couldn't find a UI/Theme that I could get along with. Sure, there are plenty of themes that can make it look like Optimus Prime's taint (read somebody else say that about plug UIs), but not much to make it clean, crisp and quick to use.

I finally chose to move forward with SO. Sure, there are some things I would love to have that exist in other DAWs, but SO has the most to offer for *me*.

Same here. Reaper is extremely configurable and lean as heck. Though for me, I've spent hours setting up configurations, and obviously I'll save the configurations Only channels are so literal. Specifically creating channels for one plugin might typically involve another channel for MIDI, another channel for audio, another channel to monitor back. Even the same for sends! Create twenty tracks and you're eyeballing some potential 60 tracks. Of course that can also be tapered and hidden, but you probably see where I'm going. It becomes this manually created bucket of bolts. I end up creating a monster without the joy of performing. It's just not indigenous to a smooth workflow. For my needs. Ommv of course.

I also end up doodling an awful lot in Reaper with the multitude of configurations, skins, and colors. Doodling is fun, but I found I wasn't easily breaking free of that. Not good.

One skin that I drool over in Reaper is the Imperial mixer which is just outstanding. Still, when all is said and done for my needs anyway, Studio One (and PT, Cubase & Nuendo) are way more purposeful. A DAW is a skill saw. The carpenter doesn't want to change to a newer model just because it may have a fancy new laser guide. That carpenter has cut enough along a chalk/pencil line not to be swayed from what already works, what weighs right, and is balanced.

Obviously many here are looking for the new and that's great. If if makes them accomplish their goals, super! I suspect some will wait on for v7, and so on. I hope not. Studio One 3 and 4 would be fine for most in actuality. Those who need notation would obviously look for newer versions.
So let's see! it's all good in the music making arena.