Right, you can automate effects, pan, volume on a track. But your'e not able to automate a single note in a complex arpeggio or chord.Theres the automation tool too, right?
A note has more expression like 1 or 0 .. especially in classic music.
There are different reasons for the other software you've named, why they are so popular. I don't want to explain them all. In my opinion you can't compare programming with real (non-computer) work like playing a piano or another realistic intrument.
Did you know that they have used a guitar for the effect with the water in the glas in the movie Jurassic Park? The reason: There's no other way to build that waveform!
Sounds that are based on real instuments like multisamples or soundsfonts. The reason why there are no really good for free: very expensive to make them.What else can they use?
I'm sorry when it was too complicated for you. I just have tried to answer your questions.In my impression your making it look too complicated for me. I never expected to reach professional quality anyway.