Replying to my own topic!
I've been doing some thinking (dangerous for me), and I realized that when you kick on a tubescreamer, you lose some low end and gain a little midrange...so changing the amp eq to help even out the tone from screamer off to on is something that gives it a "just some more gain" sound.
I think I like the layout of the fbv express.
I found a rolls midi buddy and made an agreement for 30 bucks, but turns out he is a couple hours away. The Craigslist ad didn't let me know that little detail!