When I think of working with such a tiny Display and 2 knobs it really puts me of.
I know, the O&C is nice but it just doesn't appeal to me.
About the secret-key-press Nightmare. I watched Review Video again and you are right. The only thing that it does to confirm that you changed a mode is the LED light up for a brief moment. The Modes are printed on the Plate. No LED here to show the mode you are in.
I habe to find another solution for sequencing.
In my first Rack Build I had the Varigate4+ in the Setup.
-- Quantum_Eraser
There are two rotary encoders and two buttons. The menuing is very simple. I would definitely find some tutorial videos on O_C before you write it off. I'm definitely in the camp of "if it's too complicated its not going to be in my rack." The O_C is less frustrating to use than the Lifeforms sequencer. As the beginnings of your rack, a module like this will give you tons of options with only a sprinkle of learning-curve.