What I really miss in DAWs is a drum arranging tool that goes beyond scores or xoxo grids. Those are good for editing patterns in atomic ways, but I'd love something to quickly record new patterns played on drum pads on the fly, with arbitrary duration, create a new pattern that inherits parts of the one I just recorded (to make variations and fills) just by hitting one key and/or sending a MIDI note from a controller, etc. Then after having a good number of patterns, I'd like something that shows them as nodes on screen so that they can be connected dynamically according to a predefined flow with possible variations triggered by MIDI notes (pedal switches) during live performances so that the flow can be altered either by prolonging/shortening a series of patterns, jumping here and there based on conditions, but the visual node representation would be vital to have a quick feedback that shows what is going to happen say 5 measures from now, for example by highlighting the nodes and flow that will be followed under the present conditions.
Have you ever looked at Non? It has a recording mode that is a lot like what you described if I understand you right. Development is kind of moribund but that can be an advantage in some ways.
Unfortunately it requires Jack, which for me has always been a source of frustration. I can get very low latencies and excellent stability using Alsa alone, so don't feel the need to change. Unfortunately as much as Jack is incredibly powerful, its UI to organize and connect stuff together is an example of how terrible usability choices can ruin an otherwise great software.
