Jeepers, I know your comment is coming from an electronic music mindset, but to those who learned audio engineering by setting up drum kits, amplifiers, pianos and mic'ing them by hand are probably having a bit of a chuckle at your "hardware" comment.

No malintention meant here, and as far as electronic instruments go I agree with what you're saying, I just know several drummers and guitar players who would by quite incensed by the comparison with their instruments to rotary phones.