The competing products (Macke, Behringer) while shipping after the M20D have each had 3-6 updates which have fixed bugs and added new functionality.  With the info from Line 6 that we can expect the next update after the new year, it seems to me that Line 6 plans to announce firmware updates at every NAMM.  One of the reasons to embrace digital technology is that the software can easily (and often!) be updated.  I really really hope taht Line 6 will be more responsive and not have us waiting a year for every new patch.

Slightly discouraged

Bruce