> It's a self-reinforcing negative feedback loop that gatekeeps its wider use.

I'm pretty sure there is no loop here, just "you need that much money to play". Not exactly something easy to fit in the house either

> (Yes, sample libraries work, but they're just intermediate representations of a full console with multiple manuals, pedalboard, couplers, reverberant room, etc.)

From what I heard simulated ones get pretty close