Sean,
I own Sequoia 6, which I believe is what was current at the time we started this project. I deliberately didn't change anything over the course, so it never got upgraded. Also, I'm not sure I could make use of it as the most powerful Win machine I have is that one, a Sony Vaio 500mHz, half gig, with a firewire drive. Leaned out for 2-4 track 24/96 recording and editing.
I won't be buying another Windows PC as I couldn't keep up with their maintenance and I was tired of buying a new one practically every 18 months. So upgrading to Sequoia 8 doesn't seem practical, as much as I like the software. I can appreciate your preference for many of it's fine features, but as you said, doing the minimal is the rule and for the very, very minimal stuff these recordings need, the UAD mastering plugs should be more than adequate. Although, I'll let you know if my tune changes as I get further along!
For the bulk of my usual work with sound design, post and music, Logic, Protools, Max/MSP, Final Cut Pro and particularly Kyma are my main arsenal. I need a lot of MIDI and Logic delivers that and has great audio routing features. My capital equipment budget is real tight now and when it is available I'm more inclined to buy more processors for the Capybara than buy a new PC and upgrade software that is used so little. I know where you're coming from. I'm just considering the practical aspects.
Good point on SRC. I'm going to try Peaks new algorithm but will move on if not satisfied. BTW, what's the "last word" in hardware based SRC these days? Might be wise to just rent something.
Thanks so much for your input.