got ya, yeah, I can see where you're coming from.  I've been looking either upgrading my X-Session.  Just have to go by what people have seen since I have no way of trying them unless I go to Atlanta.

scratching = vci-100
general control = total control
totally customized control w/o jog wheel = remote sl

Want to feel like real vinyl? get a scratch setup and a trigger finger.

go up there and see if they have any midi gear in the back.

Sure, but it's really over kill at that point don't you think? Esp. since a trigger finger costs $150 and a Remote Zero Sl costs $300.

The SL will do more, but the TF will fit in a bag easier for gigs. Both are solid designs with the exception of the TF's removable slider caps.

The other thing about the TF is that the drum pads are nice and large so you can hit them easily w/o having to think about it. The Remote's buttons are small and if you are using multiple controllers, I wouldn't really want to deal with it. The TF has more than enough controls (buttons/knobs/sliders) to use IF you are using a scratch system. Why? b/c all your transport needs are handled by the TT's. The mixer by your external mixer. That leaves looping and FX, which the TF will excel at.