So, after getting a chance to try out the FX8 with my Ethos Clean Fusion Deluxe, I am pretty content. I have an HX Effects too, and it's good for what I wanted out of it. Of course, I enjoy playing around with the way they try and emulate specific pedals and effects units. That is one big thing Cliff and crew gave us with the newer firmware and units. Neither of these completely make up for certain pedals, but both get at least pretty close. With more time, I'm sure I could get so much more out of the FX8 blocks, but I recall having difficulty dialing in good flanger sounds with my AX8, for instance.
I would absolutely be interested in an updated version of the FX8. Again, I'll most likely be back to amp/cab modeling in the future, but right now I'm really enjoying the ECFD and the Simplifier MKII, and using these effects modelers in 4CM (I have not needed the humbuster cables so far). Call me a Luddite, I guess... And yeah, I do miss the ability to play around with all the various amp types, but both analog modeling pedals offer enough options to cover a nice range and keep me happy. Maybe at some point I'll get better at dialing in modeled amp tones and IRs. For now, I'll actually take less choice in an attempt to simplify, and just try and focus on getting more out of the effects.
Oh yeah, and I'm definitely missing the Klon-based model. Yessss, I know. But, I got spoiled with the Warm Audio Centavo. And, does anyone else have Ethos TWE-1 (mine has the sag control)? I'd LOVE a model of that... sans hiss.