Hi Glenn,
I kind of agree with you. And that is why I invested in the HXFX. When I record with IR's I am satisfied enough, but in the room/on stage I really miss the dynamics of a good Deluxe and JTM45. That and I'm old and not really interested in tweeking my amp on a computer screen. I ain't got time for learning curves. Trusting amp/cab sims on stage is a little scary to me and not what I'm used to. Also I'm not very excited about the Helix lacking of: Poly pitch/ synth/ and more modern abstract reverbs and delays that the newer pedals provide. If firmware 3.0 doesn't do it for me I am definitely adding EH pitchfork+ and oceans 11 to my pedalboard. All that said, I feel like my unit was way more than worth the money for all of the modulation and drives (and some of the delays and verbs.) Maybe if you love your amps that much, just invest in those amps and a reactive load box. The Helix is hands down worth it for me. I guess I didn't approach it as if it were the one and only product that will define my entire musical personage and satisfy every musical need.