I'm a Reaper fan simply means that I have no interest in Ableton, however, I have had a look at it in the past. What I use to compose on depends on what I am doing at the time, and it varies; I compose on everything.
Sometimes I may use the weighted keys of the Roland FA-08, or if I need the full 88-key range. Otherwise I would use the Genos, or whichever keyboard has the sounds I am searching for. Other than that, I will sometimes use VSTs triggered with the Roland or the Genos.
At first ALL of this doesn't matter much, and I am just trying to get down an idea. Afterward, I will layer and swap out different voices, depending on the sound I am after. If the track being laid requires a lot of CC or automation, then it's time to use the WX5 Yammy Wind MIDI Controller.
The WX5 has 8 octave keys and a lot of simultaneous control; it's absolutely wonderful in the hands of any experienced sax player!
The WX is really great for Strings and Woodwinds, also some Percussion, i.e. Timpani, drum rolls, etc. (using tonguing and breath to control the hits and volume during durations, along with reed pressure [pitch bend] and modwheel [right thumb]) There's even a sustain button.
So there is no "real" answer to what I use. It's whatever feels (at the time) will give me the best result for the sound and feel that I am after.
I do record ALL of the Midi Channels from the various Midi ports into Reaper via the Motu MTP/AV Midi Timepiece (handles 8 Midi ports [both in and out]) simultaneously.
What I really like about hardware is the responsiveness (lack of delay [latency]). It helps immensely when composing live, especially when laying down many, many tracks.
The MEGAEnhancer "trick" isn't something I normally spend a lot of time doing. It's just something easy to do that I thought you might try and enjoy.
I think you should go ahead with your video. Most certainly many will watch it and might even give you some good pointers along the way. You never know until you do it. Most certainly you won't get much feedback on it until you do.
Also don't lean too much on the approval of others. As the song goes... "You can't please everyone, so you have to please yourself." Step up to the plate and let 'er rip! Many will be watching.
Markus, we have watched many Olly Woo videos in the past when we was first got our Genos. So good to meet you online in the forum! grüß Gott