There's been a lot of talk on here about control surfaces, compatibility, lack of support from manufacturers etc etc....
So, I propose a solution: we define a hardware control surface, package them as DIY kits (or sell them assembled), and define our own Reaper Control Unit protocol. Perhaps a starter is here:
http://lividinstruments.com/hardware_builder.php
It would need:
- motorised faders
- transport control buttons
- rotary encoders
- automapping for ReaPlugs
Just putting this idea out there, very interested to see how it progresses with input from the forum!