@Stingray
Well when I said “Pro Tools Operator’s Paradise” I wasn’t being sarcastic, I saw a senior PT Operator at work: it’s like playing an instrument. I’m sure Cubase Operators are the same, it’s a form of art just like playing piano.
So yes, I do understand Kb Shortcuts works great for you, I love it as well specially when it comes to chopping clips and midi.
Also keep in mind whenever you (Stingray or anyone who’s replied to me) give me an advice, I immediately apply it to my workflow and try it for a week, so I’m very grateful for your answer(s).
Been around the world
Understand that I’ve been around the world (DAW wise). The latest DAW I’ve worked with was FL Studio 12 for 1 year. I also tried Studio One 3 for 8 months, along with Logic Pro X a few years ago, and Live 9 (even v10 beta) recently (but trust me Live 9/10 is a complete different beast like Bitwig). When Acid Pro 7 became extinct (and was later bought by Magix, just like what’s happened to Sonar), I had to look for a new home, starting with Reaper (UI was so ugly I just couldn’t bear it any longer).
All I’m asking for in a DAW, is 64 bit (to handle more than 8Gb of RAM), a proper MW Zoom integration with Modifiers, a Smart Grid (aka Zoom Grid), an easy to use Track FX Chain, and In-Place Midi Editing
Why I switched to Cubase 9.5
But as soon as Cubase 9.5 added Smart Grid, I decided to completely switch to Cubase Pro (a couple weeks ago). Despite the eLic. Despite the fact that Hans Zimmer along with about 65-70% of Film Score composers down here in L.A. are using it 
(yes now I’m being sarcastic).
So yes, I’m in the same boat as you guys, except for what I call “standard” features. I really think those MW Zoom + modifiers could be integrated easily without losing anyone in the process (I’ll probably send an FR to Steinberg about it).
Why I ditched FL Studio 12
FL Studio looks impressive indeed (Vector UI, 32 Bit VST backward compatible, amazing native audio plugins like Reeverb2, or Fruity Limiter/EQ, and Time Signature Markers/Change more recently)… But issue is, in order to stay retro-compatible, Image-Line had to keep this “modular track” sequencer view (where tracks don’t reflect in the mixer, only the Instrument Rack / Matrix reflects in the Mixer: if it sounds weird to you, now you understand why I did not want to stick with FL Studio… Plus I’m a classical music composer not an EDM producer).
@SuperG
Thanks for understanding my tone / my deeper thoughts (I know it’s not easy to get it through a forum post)!
- Oh thank you! I’ve downloaded this VB-Audio rack, seems like a great workaround for my late 90’s DX Plugins.
- I bought a license of JBridge (and yes, Joao is doing an amazing job, answered to all my Support questions the same day!).