PT isn't cheap at all, too expensive specially for HD, but having pushed it day in and day out, it is quick reliable, a workhorse, when setup and used properly, and I don't mind the steamline of hardware software, have had very very little issues in that regard, but sometimes issues come up, and it may not be exactly digi's fault you know. Computer system's are always a fighting to get compadible thing. I know that older macs, the interface prefers the front firewire inputs
I think there is bound to be issues with ANY daw, as OS updates, versions and releases all get in the way. PT 8 is amazing, and they really added some nice featueres, plug ins, and instruments that are usable. The 002 interface's AD/DA wasn't the best, which is why I used a better one going in, but I get pretty good results imo using it. Really its just a matter of taste, I am so used to PT, and have had such good luck with it, I don't even want to think about switching.
but some people really prefer others, just have to read the fine print as well as far as what interfaces/OS will work with what. I know logic just came out with a new version that is supposed to be great. My buddy runs Digital performer and that is pretty sweet as well, I like the layout more then logic. do not like audio tasks in logic.