I've spent enough time with my AxeFX that it's second nature. It had great sounds right out the box, but as I've gotten deeply familiar with the AxeFX paradigm, I've learned to leverage it. So far, I haven't encountered anything that has been a limit for me. When I bought my unit, FW13 was current. As I've posted elsewhere, I use the rotary effect more than any other modulation effect. The FW13 version was pretty thin compared with my Strymon Lex. A few FW revisions later, the rotary block was completely overhauled... and I sold the Lex
Fractal Audio Systems continues to improve, extend, and optimize a hardware / software platform that I purchased 18 months ago - with every new improvement being free!
I can't say the same for any other gear manufacturer. I've been a professional guitarist for 30+ years. I also am a tech nerd, and was an early adopter of modeling gear, so I have had quite a bit of experience with Line6 equipment. Honestly, the Line6 POD "Pro" was a pretty decent modeling machine in its time, and it was handy for road use. I also used to have a TC Electronic G Force processor. Those flagship units had exactly *one* firmware update during the many years I owned them. It isn't a knock on those companies; I'm just pointing that they were pretty much unchanged and unimproved despite having untapped potential and a huge user base clamoring for updates. Good specs and a solid initial implementation is important. But ongoing customer support, and the relentless pursuit of "just a little more awesomeness" sets Fractal apart.
I want to be clear that I don't hate Line6 just because I favor the AxeFX. I use a Line6 G90 rack-mounted wireless system, and also have a G50 pedalboard wireless for my "B" rig - which also includes a Line6 M9. If Line6 has taken a quantum leap with the Helix, that's great! It will inspire a bunch of guitarists to appreciate, and to create, glorious guitar tones. That's really the biggest compliment I can pay to Fractal : since I got the AxeFX, I can realize those hugely dimensional studio tones that I hear in my head, and can easily deliver that sound to the front of house / mixing board. My AxeFX inspires me to play more, and to play better. If the Helix does that for guitarists as well, that's a good thing.
Will the Helix be "as good" as the AxeFX? I think that's subjective. Is a strat better than a Les Paul? If it inspires great music, it's a good tool.