I get that you're disappointed that you asked for a feature, got it, and decided it wasn't up to your specifications? Without trying it?
This sounds like it's way more machine than you'd need in the first place.
WAY too much machine for me
I would be fine with that - panel navigation to me is secondary to the editor though I'm really comfortable navigating the Axe ii by front panel - for me, minimal panel functionality is only needed in exception situations where a computer is not available - except for the tuner - I like a nice tuner display (I am happy with the Axe II tuner screen - can't wait to see the new one).I wonder how much cheaper they could build a studio-only version, with all the same IO and DSP power, but just a plain black front panel with NO screen, knobs or buttons, just a power switch. Do everything through Axe-Edit.
I believe 90% of it is a case jumping on the UI bandwagon. The rest is simply defending another product that comes short in other more important areas.I don't get how front panel is a deal breaker/maker on a rack unit with a good remote editor available. (lol! - I have an eventide H9 which I love and use in depth via usb and midi - but I've never had, and still don't have (nor care to have) a clue how the front panel of that pedal even works).
I believe 90% of it is a case jumping on the UI bandwagon.