What is your point? My point was if you still favor a large hardware setup. You just mentioned your Reason/Record setup. I am talking about those people who have a rack of modules, or 2 and 3 tier keyboard stands, etc. You aren't probably using Reason to sequence all your other gear. My point is that a lot of people don't have a room full of hardware all controlled by Sonar/Cubase etc. I have done that plot and it does work, but the MPC is much faster and easier to route in that aspect, at least to me.
Now, part 2. I said if you play live, and really I mean more in a band situation and not DJ. If you DJ, then yeah, you might be rocking Ableton and triggering scenes to your heart's content. I won't lie, I have been to recent concerts and saw laptops on stage triggering sequences, but I also see MPC's still in use on stage, especially with the drummer or percussion.