I started being more cognizant of function overlap. No need to get a module, no matter how pretty it is, if all it does is perform the same function as a module I already own.
to a large extent this is true, especially of big shiny expensive modules... but functional overlap in utilities is handy... multiple vcas, mults, mixers, logic, clock dividers etc are extremely useful! especially once you've grown beyond a few voices... and are starting to look at multiple layers of control... not just controlling the shape, panning and sound of notes, but also controlling sections of 'songs' - bring in this voice for this section, add this effect for a bar every 4 bars...
-- JimHowell1970
I never really thought about it until you mentioned that, but I guess I view those utilities differently from other modules. I put them in the same class as patch cables. Yeah, the wires all do the same thing, but you need more of them as your system gets bigger to connect all the new pieces.