I think anyone would have a tough task trying to create a controller to control ALL aspects of Live, purely because it is such a deep & complex program with too many parameters. (you wouldn't want it any other way)
Ableton have chosen to focus more on the production/performance aspects and not on the sound design stage, but from the guys who own Push already that I've spoken to they say that it's the most fun they've had in years. Some of them are also long term Maschine users by the way.
I think I'm about 90% sold on getting Push currently and will just accept that doing any sample chopping, sound design etc will be done with my 3rd hand. If the guys who have it already are having a lot of fun using it even with some [essential] parts missing, imagine what it will be like if those gaps are filled in.
If worst comes to worst and I find that sample chopping is something REALLY need then I'll get Maschine also or find another solution, but later.
For me: 'Push 64 pad workflow' trumps 'Maschine & mouseless workflow with its own more limited software'.
More limited than a DAW I should stressThere is of course the finger test but I don't think that's going to be an issue based on all the YouTube vids now kicking around.
http://www.reddit.com/r/abletonpushvideos/
Thanks to everyone on this thread for debate and info btw it's really helped me thrash out some pros and cons on both sides.
Is it the 5th March yet?