I don't think of this discussion as a Rant per say.  I was just wonder other peoples feelings on the subject or (if was all in my head).  A long time ago I ordered the dream rig system from sweetwater.  I have since returned the amp but kept the variax and HD500.  I am working at it and struggling often (geting used to a digital system).  I am slowly getting used to it and I think there is a promising future for me and this set up.  But I have found I have had to change my playing style to accomodate a few quirks with JTV59.  One is I have to choke the stirngs allot no matter what model I am playing (strat ect..)  The sustain just goes on and on (its quiet amazing actually)   I can hit a note and it just goes and goes till I choke it out..  Its hard to play allot of my songs I have been playing for months or even years cause of that little quirk..  Also I have found its difficult to do pedal notes, especially certain models of guitars,  With a analog guitar (or traditional the notes would blend in and out) now alot of times the guitar just doesn't pick up the variances.  I think it was similar to  round soundwaves with analog vs square digital waves the nuances are escaping through the sampling or something..  I knew I would have challenges with the drop tunings (playing a song and physicaly drop tuning vs is virtual tuning )  the subtle changes in the intonation is not there and just the reactions with the strings are hard to over come.  I think there were more quirks but I will have to vent another day..    I also have never owned a active Guitar system ( EMG equipt ect.) I was wondering if they have some of the same issues...