I agree with trident on all these issues. You have to look at what casio is trying to accomplish, and what the target market is for these keyboards. You can't forget that we're talking about a sub $300 (3000/3200) keyboard here. And the sound quality that casio has brought to that price point is unbeatable. So a lot of the 'pros' are drawn to it because of the sound, but then are unhappy when they find it doesn't have the features they expect to find on $1000+ models. Do you really think that a beginner is interested in 16 track recording and pattern sequencing? Well, maybe they are in theory. But my guess is that 95% of the people who buy these keyboards never get past playing through the tones and -maybe- get into some of the rhythm/arrangement features. Do you think most of them even know what slash chord in split mode means? No at this price point it's the sound (and big speakers and fancy blue display) that get people to buy. And in my mind casio has succeeded with flying colors.