To all the helpful, friendly forum members,
I have decided to narrow my options to Yamaha keyboards. I have played and reviewed Korg and Roland keyboards both when I was playing and in my present search. I just tend to click with Yamaha and the tremendous sound they produce. I am still going back and forth over arranger vs workstation. One of the best explanations of the differences in terms of Sequencing/MIDI recording I found was on the Yamaha Synth Forum:
https://www.yamahasynth.com/forum/what-does-it-mean-to-have-the-synth-integrated-with-cubaseYou have to read down the page, but this Yamaha expert really gets into pertinent details that I found very helpful. So here is what I am considering:
PSR-S970/975/S770/775 ArrangerTop Pros: Speed of converting ideas to music, ready-made genres, built-in sound, reasonable cost, made to record onboard
Top Cons: 61 "cheap-feeling" keys (not trying to offend anyone here), tracks can sound canned sometimes, intended for covers
MOXF8 WorkstationTop Pros: Motif Sound Engine, Onboard sequencing, DAW Integration, ~8000 Arps (drums, bass, others), 88 weighted keys, ultimately better for original arrangements and writing
Top Cons: Must have speakers/PA to use at all, longer path to producing music, longer learning curve, smaller display encourages more computer use for recording
Odd Choice - DGX-660Top Pros: May be a better option to get started, low cost, 88 weighted keys, lots of piano emphasis (I like), some arranging capability, built-in sound, intended for home use
Top Cons: Very limited recording, limited audio output, if I progress further would quickly outgrow capabilities
I have played all three of these now, so I feel I need to decide on a front runner. My musician self wants the MOXF8. My performer self says get the PSR. My practical self says get the DGX, start playing the pianos, mess with the arranger and see what happens. I'd be very interested in any further thoughts from all of you.