I don’t think c7 is buggy… there a few odd ones like solo\mute on the mixconsle. It’s just that usability went miles backwards in a production context.
As DaDa (jan) will tell you, mix controllers in a software environment are all but a gimmick which is why I have started now with S|C.
If/when I can be bothered or if the need arises, e.g. I start recording audio, then I will control Scope environment but for me Cubase is merely a sequencer and a damn good one at that.
For a sequencer it is the very best. No doubt about that.
As I said before, it is of great value to know how we work (differently) when discussing bugs/fixes/features.
If you use it as a sequenser only, you may not have met the challenges I have, doing mainly Audio with some midi. And of corse visa versa.
Thus you have never seen me active with “thousands” of opinions in threads regarding, Midi, Vst Expression, Loopmash, most Vsti’s, beat producing, EDM construction kits, etc…(If I follow threads on those things, it is in silence, for learning).
I am in no right to “bash” those who needs fixes and changes in those areas.
Why should users that work in the complete opposite way than me question my motives, findings (bugs/fixes), worries, my workflow etc.
Why should they nagging on about, the mixer is fine (using just a few tracks compared to me) bla bla…, the control room is fine (without ever setting up a cue mix or 4, in a full band recording scenario), and so on.
To the point:
It may not be necesarry for many users to have an update (or 4) before C8. But…
…But it may be VERY necesarry for lots of users, working in a completely different way, to have some important fixes/updates in features they rely on.
They can’t leave C7.5 were it is now IMO. There has to come some updates prior to Cubase 8.
I am soon about to retire, but are actually saving up for a hardware mixer (back to my roots). I am a bit fedup on the ever changing world of software at this point.
For me DAW’s and software has only getting better, until about “yesterday”. I don’t like the new GUI directions, the new iPad generation graphic designers etc, who are making things look more in the “toy” direction and not necesarry as professional gear for professional environments IMO.
When I continue my audio production work as a pensionist hobby (no budgets, no time limits etc, just for fun) I most likely will invest in a hardware mixer (no brand or type decided yet) not related to any specific DAW. But big/good enough for some freelance jobs on good days 
100% agree to that.
With S|C you don’t need external hardware other than effects, headphone mixers and mic pre-amps with or w/out digital IO.
I’m not “evangelising” just marveling at precision German engineering.
If I had the $$ and access to purchase in my country, I’d have it now, X-ITE because it’s PCIe and has real effects so while RME would also be great, there is no onboard reverb.
I could never even consider Digidesign because by their own admission, they are a failure and coupled with Apples intransigence it (pro tools) would on balance likely be a poor investment whatever exists now software wise, or in the past hardware.
On the other hand a software controller is not utterly necessary for production, as say proper monitoring speakers and for the job you can do it on sub $500 Avantone broadcast monitors.
While often in the forum we hear about how technology has progressed from analog to digital, having adequate dynamic range during both record and mix is possible ITB.
I like the kind of information that includes what they like about it etc…
I have the need for at least 32 analog inputs + and a minimum of 8 digital inputs (S/P-DIF/AES).
Some questions:
What hardware do I need to for the nr above?
Are you then tracking to Cubase? Or is the S/C system a complete DAW in it self?
And using some sort of Software mixer within the S/C system?
Is routing from Cubase via an internal “patchbay”?
I will check out some solutions after my vacation 
Last time (long ago, but post creamware) I visited their web site, I didn’t get much info out of it. Do you have any links?
On Creamware cards (like RME) you’ll get 2 x ADAT SMUX capable ports (in and out) in addition RCA analog, XLR balanced and a SPDIF port. A good “solution” here is to possibly use something like a couple of Focusrite Saffire 26 i/o (I don’t know too much about XITE at this stage). You can of course use 3x creamware cards for a total of 6 in and 6 out allowing 48 individual in’s and out’s @ 44/48Khz.
Are you then tracking to Cubase? Or is the S/C system a complete DAW in it self?
S|C is the environment, Cubase is the tape machine/sequencer.
And using some sort of Software mixer within the S/C system?
For myself, Cubase volumes are set to zero on mix (I have not recorded as yet) as are volumes in the Sonic Core environment however, one option is to mix in Scope using a software controller.
Is routing from Cubase via an internal “patchbay”?
Only standard VST Outputs are used (some old school Creamware users persist with some kind of DirecX setup, i.e. Wavelab).
Last time (long ago, but post creamware) I visited their web site, I didn’t get much info out of it. Do you have any links?
GaryB in the Planet Z forums is always willing to help.