Thanks for the input guys.
I might have exaggerated a bit in saying there are many more options around the combined $8k pricepoint for the ATEM and Panel (thinking Sony MCS8M or Panasonic HMX100, less features than BM but both at around $5k) ; $12-15k is more accurate for entry-level "Pro", but still, cashflow-permitting, $8k goes a long way towards $15k and I'd rather go that route and get a true "Pro" full-hardware solution (a la Ross, Sony, Panasonic, For.A...). Unfortunately cashflow is not playing nice these days...
On the other hand, $2.5k is pretty compelling which is why I'm looking at it for a near-term gig. It would be a no-brainer if not for the bad press BM continues to get from their slow updates and seemingly non-existent customer support.
The other big strike against the BM for my work is the requirement for input-source parity: like many live remotes we use many different input formats, so we would have to add all kinds of converters (at $400 a pop) just to connect to the ATEM. Having built-in scalers would just be so sweet.
I like the sound of the X-Keys solution, had forgotten about those guys. I'm working with broadcast laptops so the external kybd is a bit of a pain, but now I'm getting finnicky
Sorry for the rant, I kind of got off-track on the original thread re: touchscreens!
Cheers